China, Bangladesh to bolster ties

More cooperation encouraged in trade, investment, energy, transport, telecom

China and Bangladesh should enhance cooperation in areas including trade, investment, energy, transport, telecommunication, infra­structure and agriculture, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made the remark while meeting with visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

There is great potential for China and Bangladesh to enhance cooperation, Xi said, adding that the two countries should promote cooperation in digital economy and jointly build the Digital Silk Road.

Xi pointed out that since his state visit to Bangladesh in 2016, bilateral cooperation has entered a new stage of rapid development and has injected new impetus into the economic development of both sides and brought benefits to both peoples.

Noting that both nations are at critical periods of their development, he said that strengthening and developing the China-Bangladesh strategic partnership of cooperation will not only meet the interests of both countries but also contribute to the prosperity and stability of Asia and the openness of the world.

During the meeting, Xi urged the two countries to develop their traditional friendship and strive for cooperation and common development.

Xi highlighted the importance of high-level communication in guiding the exchanges of all areas. The two countries should maintain exchanges in government departments, legislative authorities and political parties and reach more consensus on bilateral ties, he said.

China appreciates Bangladesh's support in issues related to the country's core interests, Xi said, adding that China will continue to support Bangladesh as always to safeguard national sovereignty, develop a path that fits the country's situation and maintain political and social stability.

China would like to strengthen exchanges with Bangladesh in education, culture, youth and media areas, Xi said, adding that China would like to continue offering a hand to Ban­gladesh in anti-terrorism and capacity building of law enforcement.

Hasina offered her congratulations on the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. She also commended the great success made by China under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Bangladesh cherishes the bilateral friendship made by the leaders of the elder generation, she said, adding that Bangladesh firmly supports the one-China policy.

Hasina expressed gratitude for China's support for the development of her country, saying that Bangladesh expects China to continue supporting the South Asian nation's development.

The two countries should enhance cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, digital economy and anti-terrorism areas, she said.

Hasina said that Bangladesh would like to learn from China's experience of governance, proactively participate in jointly building the Belt and Road and promote the building of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

On Thursday, China and Bangladesh signed a number of agreements focused mainly on power generation and economic cooperation, with Premier Li Keqiang and Hasina witnessing the signings.