Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought China's support for Bangladesh's development projects and the construction of the China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital during a meeting with a senior Chinese Communist Party leader in Beijing.

Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at the State Diaoyutai Guest House at 9:15am local time.

At the outset of the meeting, Liu congratulated Tarique on assuming office as prime minister.

He recalled that former prime minister Khaleda Zia had visited China nine times and said a photograph from her 2001 visit is preserved at the Museum of the Communist Party of China in recognition of her contributions to bilateral relations.

Liu also referred to the memorandum of understanding signed between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China and expressed interest in further strengthening communication and cooperation between the two parties.

He said new areas of cooperation could be explored, particularly in media, think-tank exchanges, people-to-people contacts and efforts to improve living standards.

The Chinese leader reaffirmed China's support for Bangladesh's sovereignty, security and development, stressing the importance of advancing bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation.

During the meeting, Tarique expressed hope for continued Chinese cooperation in Bangladesh's development initiatives and the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital.

He said he hoped the long-standing friendship between the two countries would continue to grow.

Responding to the prime minister's remarks, Liu said he was confident that the people of Bangladesh would enjoy a better quality of life under Tarique's leadership.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister's Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, and Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon were present at the meeting.

Sun Haiyan, vice minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh and other Chinese officials also attended.