Online Desk  :   Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today said that China’s commitment to develop Dhaka-Beijing relations remains unchanged no matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh. “China is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh to cement our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges and mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas,” he said, according to a press release issued by the Chinese embassy here.

The envoy made remarks while he along with visiting Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan commanders called on Chattogram Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Bangladesh Navy Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hassan, and Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman in Chattogram here. During the meeting, the envoy emphasized on promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as well as on further advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries to a new height.

The ambassador said that, China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors 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 defense and security cooperation.

Earlier, the Chinese ambassador welcomed the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan when they arrived at the Chittagong Port on a goodwill visit to Bangladesh. Diplomats from Chinese Embassy, representatives from enterprises and Confucius Institute, and overseas Chinese, attended the welcoming ceremony. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the Chinese PLANTask Group 83 berthed at Chittagong Port.

Chinese waved the national flags of China and Bangladesh with great enthusiasm, extended high tribute to Chinese Navy, and wished long live China-Bangladesh friendship. During the fleet’s four-day goodwill visit, 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 Chinese naval fleet last visited Bangladesh, and it is the first foreign naval fleet to visit since the establishment of Bangladesh interim government. The visit holds significant importance for deepening China-Bangladesh friendship and cooperation, said the Chinese embassy here.