DHAKA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with representatives of Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association (BCPFA) and other friendship organizations on Monday in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka.

Xi expressed his thanks and appreciation to BCPFA and other friendship organizations for their contribution to consolidating and strengthening friendship between the two countries.

Xi said maintaining friendly relationship between China and Bangladesh needs the support of both countries and peoples.

"BCPFA and other friendship organizations set up a bridge of friendship between the two peoples," he said.

He said nobody can replace their role in promoting the relationship of the two peoples, publicizing China's achievement on development and developing the friendship between the two countries.

Xi said, "We are facing important and historical opportunities in developing the relationship between China and Bangladesh. The two countries should have more closer political relationship."

"We also should strengthen the cooperation in all the areas including trade and commerce and make a closer comprehensive partnership of cooperation," he said.

Xi said China would like to take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries and further enhance the exchange of friendship between the two peoples.

"We will also expand the exchanges between the two countries in the fields of culture, education, sports, tourism and support all the friendship activities including China-Bangladesh Friendship and Brightness Trip to consolidate the friendship between the two countries," he said.

The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and BCPFA will jointly host the China- Bangladesh Friendship and Brightness (Ophthalmic) Trip, meaning, a team of Chinese medical experts will visit Bangladesh this year to offer free medical treatment to Bangladeshi cataract patients in celebration of the 35th anniversary.

Xi expressed his belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, the friendly relationship between China and Bangladesh will gradually be developed and strengthened.

"The friendship between the two peoples will live forever," he said.

Representatives from seven organizations including BCPFA, Bangladesh-China Friendship Association, Bangladesh Center for China Studies and China Radio International listener's Club of Bangladesh were present at the meeting.

The representatives felt very honored and proud as Bangladesh is the first stop of Xi's four-nation tour and Xi's first meeting was with their organizations.

"We think it shows the real friendship by the Chinese government and people to the Bangladeshi people," they said.

The representatives said China is a reliable friend of Bangladesh, and the Bangladeshi people sincerely thank China for its unselfish help.

They highly lauded the constructive role China plays in South Asian and international affairs.

They believed Xi's visit will further promote the relationship between the two countries.

Xi Jinping arrived in Dhaka on Monday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Editor: yan