China has said it will continue to support Bangladesh's fight against COVID-19 and is willing to facilitate the discussion of cooperation in "vaccine filling" between Chinese and Bangladeshi companies.

China also said as a "good neighbour, partner and friend" of South Asian countries, it is ready to stand with the people of all countries, including Bangladesh, until the coronavirus pandemic is defeated.

"South Asia is currently facing the severe challenges of a new round of pandemic," said State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi when he had a phone conversation with Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday evening. 

Wang Yi said that the COVID-19 pandemic is the common enemy of humanity. 

There is a greater need for neighbouring countries to render mutual assistance and overcome adversities, he said.

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Wang Yi said that in March this year, President Xi Jinping sent a video message to an event hosted by Bangladesh in commemoration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and also in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the country's independence, which injected strong impetus to the development of China-Bangladesh relations. 

The Chinese Foreign Minister said the two countries have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests. 

"China will continue to support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bangladesh," he said.

Wang Yi hoped that the two countries will earnestly advance the Belt and Road cooperation, ensure early completion of key projects, expand cooperation in the fields of information, communication and digital economy, and create new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Bangladesh.

Dr Momen extended congratulations on the successful Mars landing of China's probe, and his gratitude for China's invaluable support and strong assistance in Bangladesh's fight against the pandemic. 

He said that Bangladesh will always adhere to the one-China principle, and continue to staunchly support China on the issues concerning Hong Kong, Taiwan and human rights.

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Dr Momen said Bangladesh is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in pandemic control and economic recovery, and push the Bangladesh-China strategic cooperative partnership to a new level. 

He also highly appreciated China's positive role on the question of Palestine recently.