Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday hoped that China would come forward in a bigger way than before during the tenure of her new government for implementing its development programmes.

“China is one of the most important development and strategic partners of Bangladesh. We hope that during the new government’s tenure China will help us more than the previous times to help continue the development journey of Bangladesh,” she said.

The prime minister said this while Chinese Communist Party’s Vice Minister of the International Division Sun Haiyan called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. 

PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the call on. 

Sun Haiyan is the first senior Chinese politician to visit Bangladesh after formation of Hasina's new government following a landslide victory in January 7 election.

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She conveyed her country's President Xi Jingping's greetings to Hasina on her reelection as the prime minister of Bangladesh for the fifth term.

She said that President  Xi  was confident about her re-election as the prime minister due to her struggle for changing the fate of the countrymen and the love and affection for the Bangladeshi people.

"Xi was confident on Sheikh Hasina’s re-election as Prime Minister as she was committed to changing the fate of the people and her patriotism towards the country and its people," Sun said.

The Chinese vice minister also congratulated  Hasina on her re-election as the prime minister on behalf of the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

She also congratulated Bangladesh premier's only daughter Saima Wazed on her election as the regional director of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

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"Saima Wazed will play a great role in containing autism globally," she said.

She hoped that the activities of Bangladesh premier will continue for socio-economic development of Bangladesh and quicken the transformation of the country into a prosperous and developed country.

To this end, the Sun referred to her several visits to Bangladesh since 1991.

"I have witnessed a tremendous and unbelievable development of Bangladesh and efforts to upgrade the living standard of the countrymen (during the period)," she said.

In reply the premier said the massive development has  take place as she successfully infused confidence among the people that "we can do."

The prime minister also credited the continuation of her government for a longer period that helped implement the plans to develop Bangladesh socio-economically.

She suggested Sun Haiyan visit the rural areas to see the "real change" of Bangladesh.

The Chinese vice minister also stressed the need for enhancing collaboration between China and Banhladesh.

Read: Look for new markets for Bangladesh's products: PM Hasina at DITF opening 

During the meeting, Hasina said her government has been working to accomplish the unfinished tasks of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman andc change the lot of the people by giving them a improved and better life.

She has sought Chinese cooperation to this end.

The Chinese vice minister also put importance on strengthening relations between Communist Party of China and Bangladesh Awami League by enhancing bilateral programmes.

Ambassador-at-large M Ziauddin and PM's Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.