Xi Jinping phones Sheikh HasinaChina offers BD to send Covid-19 expert team

Beijing today offered Bangladesh to send expert team to help to contain the novel coronavirus spread.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over phone around 5pm today and wanted to know from her about the coronavirus situation in Bangladesh," PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told media.

"We're ready to send expert team to Bangladesh to prevent coronavirus spread if you want," Jinping told the prime minister.

During the 25-minute conversation, the Chinese president assured that his country will continue support for Bangladesh's economic development.

"We'll always stay beside Bangladesh for its economic uplift and also extend support the country in the international forum," he said. 

Jinping also said China will continue to work for further strengthening "strategic partnership" with Bangladesh. 

The press secretary said the prime minister thanked the Chinese president for expressing sympathy to Bangladesh for the coronavirus situation.

Sheikh Hasina reiterated her call to the international community to work together to combat Covid-19 pandemic, Karim said.

The two leaders also expressed gratitude for sending medical equipment and other goods to each other's country during the pandemic.

The press secretary said the Chinese president recalled the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China.

"His (Bangabandhu) visit laid the foundation of bilateral relations between the two countries," Jinping said and hoped that the these ties will be strengthened further in the days to come.