Colombo, Sep 18 (IANS): China has sought a comprehensive partnership with Sri Lanka that includes strengthening trade and investment ties, a top Chinese official said here.

Visiting Chairman of the National People's Congress' standing committee Wu Bangguo and Sri Lankan parliamentary speaker Chamal Rajapaksa discussed the subject here Monday.

Both countries should strengthen their strategic coordination so as to enhance mutual understanding and trust, Xinhua quoted Wu as saying.

He said China is willing to expand imports from Sri Lanka to promote trade balance and facilitate bilateral cooperation.

The Chinese culture centre in Sri Lanka offers an opportunity for both sides to expand culture exchanges and promote tourism, Wu noted.

He urged the two nations to closely coordinate on multilateral platforms to help better address global challenges like climate change and non-traditional security threats.

Rajapaksa said China's fast development has created important opportunities for Sri Lanka.

Wu is on a four-day visit to Sri lanka.