He said this when the visiting Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin paid a courtesy call on him at the Bangabhaban yesterday.

Welcoming the Chinese leader, the president hoped that his official visit to Bangladesh would have a positive impact on further strengthening and deepening of the excellent bilateral relations and close cooperation between Bangladesh and China.

Stressing educational cooperation and exchange of cultural delegations, he said people-to-people contact would help know each other better.

"China is a tested friend and development partner of Bangladesh," the president said, appreciating Chinese assistance for the development of Bangladesh.

He also reiterated Bangladesh's support for 'One China Policy' and appreciated China's efforts for peace in the world. He also appreciated successful completion of the mission of first Chinese manned spacecraft.

Referring to excellent bilateral relations, the visiting CPPCC chairman said there is further scope of developing trade and cultural relations.

He appreciated Bangladesh's socio-economic development over the years, saying that China would continue to cooperate with its development efforts.

Describing Bangladesh as a good friend of China, he hoped that the existing China-Bangladesh relations would be further developed and diversified in future.

Members of the Chinese delegation, high officials of the Bangabhaban and the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka were also present.