Describing Choudhury as an old friend of China, who has long been committed to the development of the Sino-Bangladeshi

relations, Zhu said Choudhury has made positive contributions to the Sino-Bangladeshi friendship.

Zhu expressed thanks to Bangladesh for its understanding of and support for China over issues concerning Chinese sovereignty and national feelings such as the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

He noted that China is a trustworthy friend of Bangladesh and that China is willing to develop good-neighborly and friendly relations with all South Asian countries, which he said are neighbors of China.

China is always ready to deepen understanding of and expand cooperation with all South Asian countries, Zhu said.

China hopes stability will prevail in South Asia, and that all South Asian countries will treat each other on an equal footing and live in harmony, the premier said.

Choudhury said China is a great country and both China and Bangladesh enjoy a history of long-standing friendship.

Bangladesh has always upheld the one-China policy, he said. He expressed the belief that China will play a more active role in world's peace and development.

Earlier Saturday, Premier Zhu separately met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, Bangladeshi Nationalist Party General Secretary Abdul Mannah Bhuiyan, and leader of opposition Bangladeshi Awami League Sheikh Hasina Wajed.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2002)