On the afternoon of December 24, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council held talks with visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides exchanged views on China-Bangladesh relations in a friendly atmosphere.

Extending welcome to Zia on her official visit to China, Zhu noted that China and Bangladesh have enjoyed good relations and the two countries have abided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, respected each other and treated each other as equals. He said that the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries have withstood the test of time, adding that China always regards Bangladesh as a reliable and trustworthy friend.

Zhu said that the Communist Party of China successfully convened its 16th National Congress not long ago, making building a well-off society in a comprehensive way our objective in the near future. He pointed out that to achieve the objective entails not only China's own efforts, but also a long-term peaceful and stable environment. He said that China places importance on developing friendly relations and cooperation with Bangladesh, adding that there are no obstacles or problems hindering bilateral relations as the two countries share the goal of strengthening friendship and deepening cooperation.

Zhu said that the friendship between China and Bangladesh is based on a high level of mutual trust between their leaders and people. The two countries should continue to exchange visits of high-ranking officials, while strengthening exchanges between the political and business circles, the media and non-governmental organizations so that their friendship can last from generation to generation. He also said that trade and economic cooperation play an important role in bilateral relations, noting that as the two economies have their own specific features and advantages, bilateral trade and economic cooperation will continue to grow in the new century. He said that China understands the difficulties Bangladesh faces in its economic development as a developing country. He said China will convert a loan into a grant for the construction of an international conference center in Bangladesh as a sign of the friendship between the two peoples.

Zhu said that China and Bangladesh share a common interest and goal in maintaining regional peace and safeguarding the interests of developing countries, and the two countries have had sound cooperation and coordination on international affairs, adding that China is ready to join with Bangladesh to promote peace and development in the region and the world.

Zhu expressed appreciation to the Bangladeshi side for adhering to the One China policy.

Expressing thanks to the Chinese government for the warm reception accorded to her and her delegation, Zia said that the two countries enjoy profound friendship and bilateral relations have been developing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 27 years ago. She spoke highly of and expressed sincere thanks for the Chinese government's selfless assistance to Bangladesh's economic development over the years. She noted that bilateral relations have seen great development in such fields as politics, trade, economic cooperation and culture in the past year, with which the Bangladeshi side is very satisfied. She said that the Bangladeshi government and people congratulate China on the success of the 16th CPC National Congress and the smooth transfer of power from the older to the younger generation of leadership. She expressed the belief that China will achieve even greater progress in building a well-off society and a strong and prosperous China will be a blessing to Bangladesh.

Zia congratulated on the success of Shanghai in bidding for the World Expo' 2010. She said that as developing countries, Bangladesh and China share broad common interests and have conducted good cooperation in international affairs. She also said that Bangladesh firmly upholds the one-China policy and believes that Taiwan is a province of China and Tibet is an inseparable part of China. She said Bangladesh actively participates in regional and international affairs and calls for the realization of peace and stability in South Asia and the establishment of a just, reasonable political and economic order around the world.