On August 18, 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in the Great Hall of the People. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern, indicating that both sides will make joint efforts to further deepen China-Bangladesh comprehensive cooperative partnership.

First, Wen expressed welcome for Prime Minister Zia's visit to China on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the "Year of Friendship" between the two countries. He noted that over a long period of time, both sides have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and close political relations and conducted sincere and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas. The establishment of the "comprehensive cooperative partnership of long-term friendliness, equality and mutual benefit" between the two countries this April has strongly pushed for the development of bilateral traditional friendship. Facts have shown that to strengthen bilateral friendly cooperation conforms to the fundamental interest of both peoples and is beneficial to the peace and stability of this region.

Wen said that as developing countries, both sides are faced with the same development task and share common interest in international affairs. Both sides are each other's important neighbors and enjoy profound political and social bases for the bilateral relations and broad prospects for economic and trade cooperation. Developing the bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership is an important part of China's foreign policy of good neighborliness and China hopes to enhance bilateral friendly collaboration in the following aspects. First, to take as opportunities the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic ties and the "Year of Friendship" in comprehensively implementing the significant consensuses reached between the two sides on reinforcing cooperation in various areas. Second, to step up efforts to implement the related cooperation programs, explore new areas of cooperation and take positive measures to address the bilateral trade imbalance. Third, to enhance scientific and technological exchanges and put priority on cooperation in development and management of agricultural technologies and other areas. Fourth, to expand cultural and educational exchanges and strengthen cooperation in human resources development and training. Fifth, to keep close coordination and collaboration on the key international and regional issues including the UN reform, South-South cooperation and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Wen also expressed appreciation and thanks for Bangladesh's valuable support on the questions of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.

When talking about the situation in South Asia and regional cooperation, Wen said that currently the South Asian countries enjoy relatively stable political situations and good momentum of economic growth. As the biggest neighbor of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), China would like to continue to strive for the peace and stability of South Asia, support regional and sub-regional cooperation of various forms in this region and push for the progress of related cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Zia indicated that the exchange of visits between the leaders of the two countries on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations. The bilateral friendship has withstood the tests of time and won great support from the two peoples. Bangladesh has witnessed with satisfaction a more mature traditional friendship and remarkable achievements of cooperation in various areas. Bangladesh will take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to contribute to deepened bilateral friendly cooperation.

Zia noted that the disinterested assistance from the Chinese people has played an active role in Bangladesh's economic and social progress. Her country attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations and stands ready to enhance its friendly cooperation with China in the areas of politics, economy, security and culture. Zia added that since both countries share the same or similar views on the international and regional issues and broad common interest as well, Bangladesh will continue to reinforce coordination and collaboration with China.

Zia reiterated that Bangladesh will continue to follow the one-China policy.

Following the talks, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony of the related cooperation documents between the two countries.

Prior to the talks, Wen held a welcome ceremony for Zia. Vice-Chairman He Keng of the Central Committee of the Jiusan Society, Director Ma Kai of the State Development and Reform Commission and other officials attended the ceremony.