国内英语新闻:Bangladesh attaches great importance to PM's visit to China: FM

DHAKA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh attaches great importance to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to China, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said here on Sunday.

"We attach great importance to prime minister's visit to China as Bangladesh and China are trusted friends. We have cordial and friendly relations," Moni said.

Briefing reporters on the visit, Moni said that after the new government assumed power in January 2009, the Chinese government sent a special representative to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and expressed strong desire to work together.

Moni said Bangladesh also wants to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation with China .

On the sidelines of the world climate change conference in Copenhagen last year, Hasina had meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest.

The foreign minister said apart from Sheikh Hasina's visit, a number of cultural exchange programs will take place this year marking the 35th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Beijing.