Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji sent a message of congratulations Thursday to Begum Khaleda Zia on the occasion of her assuming the post of Prime Minister of the People' s Republic of Bangladesh.
China and Bangladesh are close neighbors and the traditional friendship between the people of the two countries can be traced back to very ancient times, said Premier Zhu in his message.
In the past years, the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries developed constantly, said Zhu.
He expressed his belief that the friendly ties and cooperation between them will enjoy further consolidation and development during Zia's tenure.
Zhu also wished Bangladesh prosperity and its people happiness.
(Xinhua News Agency 12/10/2001)
