China, Bangladesh to advance closer partnership
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China and Bangladesh Thursday agreed to set up closer ties of comprehensive cooperative partnership.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reached the agreement after their talks in Beijing.
Wen said the two nations always supported each other in major issues concerning national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic ties. Wen said China would work with the country to expand cooperation and push forward bilateral relations.
Wen hoped that the two nations would enhance high-level exchanges and strengthen consultations, in a bid to safeguard peace, stability and development of South Asia.
China and Bangladesh should also make efforts to expand bilateral trade. Wen said the Chinese government supported its domestic companies investing in Bangladesh, and joining in the construction of transport, telecommunications and energy infrastructure.
Wen proposed the two nations increase cooperation in agriculture, poverty reduction and disaster relief, saying that China would continue assisting Bangladesh economically and technologically.
Wen hoped the two nations would enhance cultural exchanges, and make joint efforts to safeguard the fundamental interests of developing countries in major issues related to the United Nations reform and climate change.
Hasina spoke highly of China's achievements in social progress, and expressed appreciation for China's support to her country's economic and social development.
Bangladesh would work with China to promote cooperation in agriculture, tourism and infrastructure construction, and to enhance coordination in major international and regional issues, she said.
The prime minister reiterated her country's firm adherence to the one-China policy.
The two prime ministers witnessed the signing of four bilateral documents on economic and technological cooperation, preferential loans, bridge building and natural gas cooperation.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Bangladesh counterpart Dipu Moni Thursday afternoon to discuss bilateral ties and issues of common concern.
Hasina is in China on an official visit from March 17 to 21 at the invitation of Premier Wen.
Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo would also meet with Hasina Friday.
Hasina will also visit Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province.
