PM Sheikh Hasina hails Bangladesh-China ties

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hailed the friendship with China and hoped that it will be long lasting acquaintance in the path towards the development of the country.

Speaking after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at her office, Hasina said, "I had a fruitful discussion with his Excellency Xi on bilateral, regional and international issues that are of common interest to both our countries."

The meeting was followed by the signing of 26 MoUs and instruments and the unveiling of plaques of six projects. "Through signing the agreements, we reached a consensus to work together in trade and investment and other key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy and power, ICT and transportation," she said.

The Prime Minister hoped that the strategic partnership with China will be aimed towards socio-economic achievement for the people of both sides. Earlier in an interview with Xinhua, Hasina pointed out that the relations between the two nations are underpinned by "the five principles of peaceful co-existence, spirit of good neighbourliness, mutual trust, confidence and non- interference into each other's internal affairs."

She reaffirmed that Bangladesh strongly adheres to one-China policy and supports Beijing on issues related to its core national interests and efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. "China has become our largest trading partner and we consider China as a trusted partner in realising our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many of our mega projects in terms of finance, capitalisation and technology," she said.