China, Bangladesh to discuss bilateral ties during Bangladeshi PM's visit

Chinese and Bangladeshi leaders would exchange views on enhancing bilateral cooperation during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The ministry's spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press conference that Hasina would make the official visit to China from March 17 to 21 at the invitation of the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Wen and Hasina would hold talks, and Chinese President Hu Jintao and top legislator Wu Bangguo would also meet with Hasina respectively, Qin said.

Leaders from the two nations would discuss regional and international issues of common concern, Qin noted.

In response to a question if China is interested in investing port construction in Bangladesh, Qin said it was up to Chinese companies to decide whether to become involved in the project.

"The Chinese government always encourages and supports domestic companies to cooperate with other countries, including Bangladesh, in a friendly and equal way," Qin noted.

Source: Xinhua