Chinese naval fleet arrive in Bangladesh on goodwill visit

Chinese naval fleet – Qi Jiguang  and Jinggang Shan – today (12 October) arrived at Bangladesh's southeastern seaport city Chattogram on a four-day goodwill visit, according to the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR).

Of the two naval ships, Qi Jiguang has been berthed at Chattogram port today. Commander of Chattogram Naval Region Chief Staff Officer Captain M Asaduzzaman welcomed the ship at a port jetty.

The ISPR said a well-decorated navy band played a traditional band while welcoming the ship. Among others, local high-ranking officials of the Bangladesh Navy, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and other representatives were present.

The other ship Jinggang Shan will stay at outer anchorage. Earlier, Bangladesh Navy ship 'Samudra Abhiyan' welcomed the Chinese navy ships soon after they reached Bangladesh waters in the Bay of Bengal, ISPR said.

It said Chinese Navy ships 'Qi Jiguang' (163.5 meters length) and 'Jinggang Shan' (210 meters length) are being led by Chinese Navy Fleet Commanders Rear Admiral Zhai Bauran and Rear Admiral Sun Zhongyi.

During their stay in Bangladesh, a delegation including Fleet Commander of Chinese Navy, Ship Captain, Ambassador of Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh and other officials will pay a courtesy call on Commander of Chittagong Naval Region, Commander BN Fleet, Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority and Commandant of Bangladesh Naval Academy.

Officers, sailors and trainees of the ships will visit various historical and sightseeing places of Chattogram, Bangladesh Navy Isha Khan base, Bangladesh Naval Academy and BN Ashar Alo School established for children with special needs.

Besides, Bangladesh Navy officials and sailors will also inspect the ship 'Qi Jiguang'.

The visit of the Chinese Navy ship is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ships will leave Chattogram on 15 October.