China looking forward to work closely with Bangladesh: Envoy

China is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh to cement the traditional friendship, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said today (12 October).

"No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China's commitment to developing China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged," he said.

Ambassador Yao and commanders of the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan, called on Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hassan, Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet, and Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The ambassador laid emphasis on deepening friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, further advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to a new height.

He said China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbours and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners.

The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation.

Both parties conveyed their strong confidence in the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening defence and security cooperation.

Earlier, the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan arrived at Chittagong Port, starting a goodwill visit to Bangladesh.

Ambassador Yao welcomed the training fleet at the Port.

Diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, representatives from enterprises and Confucius Institute, and overseas Chinese attended the welcome ceremony.

The Chinese PLANTask Group 83 berthed at Chittagong Port. 

The Chinese waved the national flags of China and Bangladesh with great enthusiasm, extended high tribute to the Chinese Navy, and wished for a long China-Bangladesh friendship.

During the fleet's four-day goodwill visit, a series of events will take place, including bilateral meetings, ship open days, and deck reception, to enhance China and Bangladesh Navy cooperation and mutual trust, and contribute to the building of a maritime community of shared future.

This visit marks the first occasion in four years since the Chinese naval fleet last visited Bangladesh, and it is the first foreign naval fleet to visit since the establishment of the Bangladesh interim government, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.

The visit holds significant importance for deepening China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation, it said.