BEIJING, April 7 -- Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, yesterday afternoon for an official visit at the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart Khaleda Zia.

    Wen received a red-carpet welcome and a 19-gun salute at the airport. He was greeted by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and other high-ranking government officials.

    

Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia meets with visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Dhaka April 7, 2005. [newsphoto]

In a written statement, Wen said China and Bangladesh are neighbours basking in close friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago, and thanks to the concerted efforts of the two governments and peoples, the friendly relations and co-operation have continued to grow.

    During his one-day visit, he is expected to have in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral relations and issues of common interest with Prime Minister Zia and other Bangladeshi leaders.

    "I believe this visit will further consolidate and strengthen the traditional friendship between our two countries and promote new progress in our bilateral relations," Wen said.

    Bangladesh is the second leg of Wen's four-nation South Asia tour which has taken him to Pakistan. He will also visit Sri Lanka and India.

(Source: China Daily)