(September 25 , 2005)

His Excellency Dr. Khandader Mosharraf Hossain

Hon'ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare

Excellencies, 

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. The two countries have organized a series of celebration activities to observe the Year of Sino-Bangladesh Friendship declared by our two Prime Ministers. As one of the important events, today we are very glad to inaugurate the China-Bangladesh Friendship Photographic Exhibition and Film show, jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy and Bangladesh China Friendship Association. I would like to extend, on behalf of my colleagues in the Chinese Embassy, my warmest welcome to the distinguished guests present here, my sincere gratitude to H.E. Dr. Khandader Mosharraf Hossain and all friends from BCFA for your kind cooperation, and also to the Ministry for Cultural Affairs and the National Museum for your all-out support.

Ladies and gentlemen,

China and Bangladesh are good neighboring countries. The friendship between our two peoples can be traced back to 1,500 years ago. Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations on October 4, 1975, both countries have followed the five principles of peaceful coexistence, respected each other and treated each other as equals. Both sides have also maintained sound coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs. The frequent high-level exchanges between the two countries have let to a deeper mutual political trust and increasingly closer cooperation in politics, economy, military, culture, education and religious and many other areas. The recent exchanges of visits by both our Hon'ble Prime Ministers during the past few months have greatly boosted the overall development on bilateral relations. As ancient Chinese philosopher, the Confucius once said, "A person became firmly established at the age of thirty". Due to the mutual respect, trust and support, our friendly relations have been constantly consolidated with bonds of fraternal friendship more mature, deep-rooted and close, a best manifestation of the said Chinese ancient adage. I am firmly confident that through the joint efforts of our governments and peoples, the firmly-established friendly relations of comprehensive partnership of cooperation between China and Bangladesh will achieve greater development with a brand new posture in the years to come.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The China-Bangladesh Friendship Photographic Exhibition, including five parts as Neighborly Friendship, Economic and Trade Cooperation, Cultural Exchange, Military Communication, Civil Intercommunion, is a fine collection of over 100 valuable historical pictures, reflecting vividly the sincere cooperation and friendship between the two countries and peoples over the past three decades. The Film Show, which has six Feature Films and six Documentary Films, is also attractive and colorful. I sincerely wish the Friendship Photographic Exhibition and Film Show complete success.

May the Sino-Bangladesh friendship last forever!

Thank you.