Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday sought China's support for Bangladesh's development projects, including the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital.

He sought the cooperation during a courtesy meeting with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing.

The Prime Minister welcomed the growing engagement between the two sides and expressed hope that the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

At the beginning of the meeting, Liu congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister and recalled the long-standing ties between Bangladesh and China.

Referring to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Liu noted that she had visited China nine times and said a photograph from her 2001 visit is preserved at the CPC Museum in recognition of her contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

He also referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier in the day between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China and expressed interest in expanding exchanges and cooperation between the two parties.

Liu said the agreement could open up new avenues of cooperation in areas such as media, think tanks, people-to-people exchanges and initiatives aimed at improving living standards.

Reaffirming Beijing's position, he said China remains a firm supporter of Bangladesh's sovereignty, security and development and stressed the importance of advancing bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation.

Liu voiced confidence that the people of Bangladesh will enjoy greater progress and prosperity under Tarique Rahman's leadership.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted Bangladesh's development priorities and sought Chinese support for a number of development projects.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, 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 Mahdi Amin, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present at the meeting.

On the Chinese side, Vice Minister of the CPC International Department Sun Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and other senior officials attended the meeting.