Chinese President Xi Jinping today said he was ready to take the strategic partnership with Bangladesh to new heights and jointly promote the construction of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Xi stated this in an exchange of congratulatory messages with his Bangladesh counterpart, Mohammad Abdul Hamid on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relationship.

In his message, Xi hailed the steady and long-term friendship, saying he was ready to work with Hamid to better align development strategies with Bangladesh and step up cooperation under the framework of the BRI.

Belt Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative has been a major bone of contention between India and China, as one portion of the corridor passes through PoK.