In an interview with the leading Chinese weekly, Beijing Review, prior to her mid-August visit to China, Khaleda said keeping an excellent relationship with China is at the core of her government's 'Look East' policy, which aims to expand and deepen ties with the neighbours in the east.

"I firmly believe that we can draw upon the dynamics and synergies of our relations for the benefit of our two countries and two peoples," she said in her written interview, which the paper published on August 25.

In the two-page extensive interview which the paper titled 'Bangladesh Looks East', she also said that the UN is the only global body representing the world community.

Khaleda said she was optimistic that her visit to Beijing would provide a wonderful opportunity to exchange views with the Chinese leadership, reinforce the constructive partnership, and further deepen the trust and understanding that mark relations between the two friendly countries.

The prime minister referred to the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with China this year, which, she said, had flourished by leaps and bounds over the past three decades.

"The occasion is being celebrated as China-Bangladesh Friendship Year. During the year, we have had some very important visits at the political level---the visit of Premier Wen to Dhaka and my visit to Beijing. The visits have been undertaken to mark the 30th anniversary celebrations," she said.

Khaleda said the depth of relationship is quite evident in the frequent exchange of high-level visits between the two countries.

"Prime Minister Wen visited Bangladesh in April and I am in China within four months of that visit. In fact, this is my third trip to China since I assumed office in October 2001. This is a testimony to the importance that we both attach to our ties," she said.

Sharing her views on Sino-Bangladeshi relations and international affairs with the Beijing Review, the prime minister described China as "not only a very close friend, but also a very important partner in our national development endeavour."

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations three decades ago, ties between our two countries have grown from strength to strength in all spheres."

She said, "Our relationship is based on the solid foundations of a close partnership, which found expression in the comprehensive partnership of cooperation that we entered into during Premier Wen's visit to Bangladesh in April," she said.

She said the two countries share common perceptions on peace, stability and development of their peoples and countries. Both have commonality of interests on regional and global issues and work very closely in the UN and other international and regional forums.

Bangladesh, she said, believes in the One-China Policy and supports the peaceful reunification of Taiwan with the mainland.