"This will bring immense benefits to the coming generations in our two fraternal countries," she told a grand function in Beijing on the first day of her five-day China visit.

The function was jointly organised by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China.

Chinese Vice-Premier Huang Ju also addressed the function attended, among others, by Chen Haosu, charman of the friendship association, Xiang Guangkai of the People's Army and Vice-Foreign Minister Wu Dewei at the Great Hall of the People.

Addressing the function, Khaleda said the relationship with China is now firmly established on a solid footing of mutual trust and respect.

She expressed a firm commitment to work together for peace, progress and stability and strengthening the bilateral cooperation to ensure maximum benefits for the two peoples.

China plays an important and positive role as a development partner of Bangladesh, the prime minister said, hoping that the friendly people of China will always support the people of Bangladesh in their journey towards development.

She assured that as a trusted friend Bangladesh would always support China.

Khaleda praised the Chinese government's wise policies that have transformed China into a vibrant economic powerhouse within a couple of decades.

"China is now one of the leading countries in the world, especially in the field of scientific and technological development. Domestic stability has helped China gain momentum in economic development," she noted.

"Economic and trade cooperation is a strong component of Bangladesh-China relations. We are now poised to look into a future of promises and results in our bilateral relations," the prime minister said.

She observed that Chinese assistance for socioeconomic modernisation of Bangladesh is visible all over the country. She mentioned six friendship bridges and Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka as a few examples.

Expecting the narrowing of the existing trade gap between the two countries, Khaleda said, "We hope China will take steps for tariff reduction with a view to making import from Bangladesh easier."

She also mentioned the congenial environment provided by the present government for foreign direct investment. "This would help narrow down the trade imbalance between the two countries", she said.

The prime minister reiterated Bangladesh's support to China in bringing about reforms in the UN system that would benefit all the member states and in which the development agenda is duly prioritised.

She also extended support for the One-China policy, in which Taiwan and Tibet are its integral parts.

Earlier, the prime minister was accorded a warm reception on her arrival at Beijing International Airport.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and other Chinese senior officials were present at the airport to receive the Bangladesh leader.