CPC and World

Xi met with Bangladesh FM

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-23 10:53

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dipu Moni in Beijing, capital of China, June 22, 2011.[Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Wednesday with visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, saying that the two countries' bilateral relationship faces an important opportunity for development.

"Since China and Bangladesh are both developing countries, both of us are committed to stepping up development and improving living standards," said Xi, adding it is important for China to reinforce and develop its cooperation with Bangladesh.

China is ready to work with Bangladesh to boost their ties to a new high, he said.

China highly appreciates Bangladesh's support on issues related to Taiwan, Tibet and other issues concerning China's core interests, Xi said.

The two countries forged diplomatic ties 36 years ago. In March 2010, Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited China. The two countries issued a joint statement at that time, which stated that they would build a "closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation."

"China will continue to support Bangladesh in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as assist in its efforts to ensure national stability and social development," Xi said.

Moni expressed gratitude for China's long-standing support and assistance in Bangladesh's development, saying Bangladesh will continue to support China in return.

Bangladesh highly values its relationship with China and will endeavor to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas, she said.

Statistics show that two-way trade volume between the countries exceeded 7 billion U.S. dollars last year.

Moni also met with her counterpart Yang Jiechi on Wednesday.

The China-Bangladesh relationship has boasted comprehensive development, highlighted by frequent high-level exchanges, as well as progress in major cooperative projects and economic and trade contacts, Yang said.

Moni kicked off her eight-day visit on June 15 and is scheduled to conclude her trip Wednesday evening.