China keen to boost political, economic ties
Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinpeng said that his country is interested to strengthen the economic, political and other participatory relations with Bangladesh.
He made the remark while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Sonargaon Hotel last evening.
Jinpeng noted that a relation of mutual welfare already exists among the people of the two friendly countries.
“I hope, this will strengthen further and bring more prosperity for the two countries,” he said.
The Chinese vice president said his country feels proud to have a good neighbour like Bangladesh.
He said that he had a fruitful meeting with Bangladesh prime minister yesterday.
Jinpeng also mentioned that Bangladesh has a long historic relation with china. “Bangladesh has developed a lot after its independence and the living standard of the people is improving day by day,” he said.
He said if this development could continue Bangladesh would be able to attain a big growth in the near future.
The Chinese vice president said that after Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to China the relations between China and Bangladesh witnessed a big boost.
Speaking at the banquet, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she believes that the visit of the Chinese vice president would add depth and dimension to the existing bilateral relation between the two friendly countries.
She also congratulated Jinpeng for the successful holding of Shanghai World Expo-2010.
The premier appreciated the warm Chinese hospitality that was accorded during her visit to China early this year.
“China and Bangladesh enjoy sound friendship based on equality, mutual respect and trust, and non-interference in each others internal affairs. We are steadfastly committed to 'one China' policy,” she said.
Hasina said the diplomatic relation that was established 35 years ago is now enjoying a “close comprehensive partnership of cooperation.”
The six China-Bangladesh friendship bridges, the Bangbandhu International Conference Centre and many other projects by China testify to this partnership, she said, adding, “These projects truly contributed to Bangladesh's socio-economic development.”
Hasina said the cooperation between the two countries encompasses all areas of relations including trade, which has reached $5 billion.
She said the other major areas include agriculture, education, science and technology, national defense, culture, tourism, and investment.
“I believe, early implementation of the four agreements and Memorandum of Understandings signed during my visit to China and the new areas of cooperation identified at today's meeting would further boost our mutual gains and benefits.”
She said to facilitate expeditious realisation of these and other excellent initiatives of her government are bent on eliminating corruption as well as safeguarding peace and stability, and importantly in consolidating the democratic process.
These are necessary for attaining the objectives of Digital Bangladesh--an ICT-based middle-income country with a better standard of living for the people--by 2021, Hasina said.
“As we move towards fulfilment of our vision 2021 and Golden Bangladesh as envisioned by father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we are confident; we shall find China by our side as our unwavering friend.”
The premier underscored the need for continued bilateral visits for mutual interest.
Industries Minister Dilip Barua, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam and Speaker Abdul Hamid, among others, attended the banquet.
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