Nation, Bangladesh sign pacts, MOUs
By Hu Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-19 05:49

Talks between Premier Wen Jiabao and his Bangladeshi counterpart Khaleda Zia were capped yesterday with the signing of a number of agreements and several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) covering energy, education, tourism and culture.

BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Ltd. Vice Chairman and Chief Executive He Guangbei (C) gestures during a news conference in Hong Kong August 18, 2005. [newsphoto]

Wen expressed condolences to the victims of bomb-attacks in Bangladesh, saying China is very concerned by the incident. Wen said he believed the Bangladeshi people would properly deal with the situation and ensure the stability of the country.

Following the blasts, Zia has decided to cut short her visit and will return to Dhaka this evening instead of Sunday as scheduled, a source with the Bangladeshi delegation told China Daily yesterday.

Zia's visit to China coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, a relationship marked by steady and smooth development, Hu said.

Promotion of bilateral trade and economic co-operation is the top priority of Zia's visit.

Yesterday, the two sides inked three MOUs on developing gas and petroleum resource, water resource management and tourism.

Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Hemayet Uddin said in Dhaka earlier this week that his country is also seeking Chinese co-operation in medicine, agriculture and peaceful use of nuclear power.

Hu told Zia that bilateral relations witnessed steady development since the two countries established diplomatic ties 30 years ago and are progressing soundly.

Hu proposed to enhance co-operation with Bangladesh in political, economic, cultural, educational and scientific fields.

The three-decade-long history has shown that Bangladesh is a close and friendly neighbour and a reliable friend of China, Hu said.

(China Daily 08/19/2005 page2)