Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has described China as a "trusted partner" ahead of President Xi Jinping's historic visit to the country later this week. Xi, who is set to land in Dhaka on Friday, would be the first Chinese head of state to visit Bangladesh in 30 years.

"China has become our largest trading partner, and we consider China as a trusted partner in realizing our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many our mega-projects in terms of finance, capitalization and technology," Hasina told China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

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Hasina added that Bangladesh-China relations have grown over the decades and their bilateral relationship is underpinned by "the five Principles of peaceful co-existence, spirit of good neighborliness, mutual trust, confidence, and non-interference into each other's internal affairs."

The Bangladeshi leader voiced support for the One China policy, which denotes that China and Taiwan are part of one nation. Hasina also hailed President Xi's proposed One Belt One Road initiative, adding that Bangladesh is working hard to complete China's ambitious infrastructure project.

She noted that Xi's visit would prove important for the entire South Asian region.

India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are other countries included in Xi's week-long South Asian tour.

India is expected to keep a close eye on Xi's visit to the South Asia as it is wary of China trying to increase its footprints in the region. India is said to be using diplomatic efforts to stall key infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with Dhaka having suspended few Chinese-backed port projects earlier this year.

It is not clear whether Xi will be discussing these projects during his visit to Dhaka.

TagsBangladesh and China, Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, Xi Jinping's Visit to Bangladesh