China, Bangladesh to work for regional infrastructure development

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 8, 2014. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Bangladesh is welcome to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a founding member, and the two countries must enhance cooperation in trade, agriculture, infrastructure development and maritime industry.[Special coverage]

Xi made the remarks Saturday morning during his meeting with visiting Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, who is in Beijing for a dialogue on strengthening connectivity partnership.

Xi said China's vision to build the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road will create chances for both countries.

The two countries should work together to push the building of an economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar, Xi said.

Describing Bangladesh as an important partner of China in South Asia and Indian Ocean region, Xi said the bilateral relationship features friendship, trust and cooperation.

China appreciates Bangladesh's support in issues concerning China's core interests and will as always support its cause to safeguard independence and sovereignty and realize stability and development, he said.

At the meeting, Hamid said Bangladesh expects to learn from China's experience in poverty alleviation and seize the chance brought by the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road to promote trade and connectivity.

Bangladesh will work with China in climate change and disaster control while helping promote cooperation between China and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, he said.

Twenty-first Asian countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing AIIB last month in Beijing, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

The dialogue on strengthening connectivity partnership scheduled on Saturday in Beijing will be attended by leaders from China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Tajikistan.