Zhu pledges to boost relstions with Bangladesh
( 2002-01-12 00:58) (1)
Visiting Premier Zhu Rongji pledged Friday to build upon the friendly co-operative relations with Bangladesh and expand bilateral economic co-operation.
Economic co-operation is an integral part of Sino-Bangladeshi ties, said Zhu, who kicked off his two-day visit to this Southeast nation Friday.
His visit marks the first time a Chinese premier has toured Bangladesh in 12 years.
"China, a developing country itself, has given help to Bangladesh within its power, and bilateral co-operation has been expanding steadily," Zhu said while meeting his Bangladeshi counterpart, Begum Khaleda Zia.
Zhu pledged to continue encouraging Chinese companies with sound credit to invest in Bangladesh and take effective measures to further advance bilateral economic co-operation.
Bilateral trade volume reached US$918 million last year, with an increase of 28.4 per cent over the previous year, according to Chinese Customs.
Bangladeshi Premier Zia congratulated China on its entry into the World Trade Organization.
She said China will play a positive role in this global trade club.
Bangalesh hopes to expand co-operation with China in infrastructure construction, development of natural resources and textile industry, she said.
The two premiers signed seven agreements on economic, technical and cultural co-operation.
China and Bangladesh are good neighbours who enjoy close and friendly relations, Zhu said in a written statement upon his arrival at the airport.
"It is a firm stand of the Chinese Government to conduct friendly and mutually beneficial co-operation with Bangladesh," Zhu said.
Bilateral relations have remained unchanged since China and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations in 1975, Zhu said.
He told Zia that China is thankful to the Bangladesh Government for its unwavering support on such Chinese sovereignty issues as Taiwan and Tibet.
Zia said Bangladesh will continue to stand by the one-China policy and regard Taiwan as a part of the Chinese territory.
A good relationship between China and Bangladesh not only meets the common wishes and fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also benefits the peace, stability and development of this region, Zhu said.
(China Daily by Meng Yan)
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