国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president concludes Bangladesh tour, starts Laos trip

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Tuesday concluded his two-day official visit to Bangladesh and started his trip to Laos, the second leg of his four-nation tour.

In Dhaka on Tuesday, Xi met separately with the country's opposition leader, parliament speaker and president.

In talks with Khaleda Zia, chairperson of Bangladesh's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Xi lauded what Zia has done to promote the Sino-Bangladeshi relationship.

He said China appreciates very much Bangladesh's precious support on issues concerning China's core interests like the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

He said China supports Bangladesh's economic development and will continue to do its best to help the south Asian country.

Zia said China is a close and friendly neighbor of Bangladesh. "Bangladesh always regards China as an important strategic partner," she said.

Talking with Bangladeshi Parliament Speaker Abdul Hamid, Xi spoke highly of the comprehensive development of bilateral relations since both countries established diplomatic relations 35 years ago.

He reiterated China's commitment to work with Bangladesh to push forward their comprehensive partnership of cooperation. He also called on the legislatures of both countries to further strengthen communication and promote mutual understanding.

Hamid said the Sino-Bangladeshi relationship is time-honored and all the parties in the Bangladeshi parliament support developing relations with China.

In talks with President Zillur Rahman, Xi said the Sino-Bangladeshi relations have stood the test of changes in the world situation and continually move forward.

"The cooperation in all areas is very fruitful and has brought real benefits to the two peoples and also plays an active role in maintaining regional stability, peace and development," he added.

Xi said the two countries' decision to establish a "Closer Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation" last March showed the direction for further developing bilateral relationship.

Rahman said Bangladesh and China maintain good relationship. He believed Xi's visit will greatly promote the friendship between the two peoples and push bilateral relationship to a new level.

On Tuesday afternoon, Xi left Dhaka for Vientiane, capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic for an official visit.

In a written speech at the airport upon his arrival, Xi said China and Laos enjoy profound traditional friendship, and established a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

Laos is the second leg of Xi's four-nation trip on June 14-24, which will also take him to New Zealand and Australia.