China wants to ‘carry forward’ friendship with Bangladesh, says Xi

The Chinese president made the remark in a congratulatory message to his Bangladeshi counterpart on the occasion of Independence Day

Marking Bangladesh’s 55th Independence Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping has renewed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening ties with Dhaka in a continuation of what he described as a long-standing and resilient partnership.

Xi signalled a push for deeper political trust and expanded cooperation, according to a message reported by Chinese news agency Xinhua and posted on the Facebook page of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh on Thursday.

In his message, Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations and is also ready to work with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to deepen political mutual trust, carry forward the traditional friendship, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and exchanges across various fields, and promote the continued development of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He spoke of China and Bangladesh as good neighbours, friends and partners.

The two countries, the Chinese president said, have always treated each other with mutual respect and equality, cooperating for mutual benefit, and setting a model for state-to-state relations.

Xinhua also wrote that Chinese Premier Li Qiang had sent a congratulatory message to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also extended his congratulations to his Bangladeshi counterpart, Khalilur Rahman, on the occasion.