Bangladeshi media Thursday attached significance to the visit by Premier Wen Jiabao, who will arrive in Dhaka in the afternoon for a two-day official visit, terming it as "a milestone" for Bangladesh. 

The Daily Star said in it's editorial that China's standing in regional affairs has been vastly enhanced by the fact that the elements of conflict that had characterized its relationship with India are on the mend and the relationship between Pakistan -- a long ally of China -- and India is also improving steadily. "This rapprochement is good for the entire region including Bangladesh," it added.

The editorial said against this backdrop of changing regional dynamics, the visit to Bangladesh of the Chinese premier gains additional significance that transcends the bilateral relationship.

China has much to offer Bangladesh, and Bangladesh feels that a good relationship between the two countries can be of considerable benefit to China as well, The Daily Star noted.

Most importantly for China though, is the fact that, together with Myanmar, Bangladesh can provide a bridge between southern China and India that would open up and transform the entire region, it said, adding that Bangladesh thus has much to offer, both to China and the region as a whole.

A fruitful relationship between Bangladesh and China should thus be one of the coveted goals for Bangladesh and "we sincerely hope that the ties exemplified by this state visit of Chinese prime minister continue to strengthen," it said.

Terming China as "time-tested friend" of Bangladesh, The New Nation in it's editorial said "we firmly believe that the current visit of the Chinese prime minister will further widen and strengthen the existing relationship."

The newspaper said Bangladesh highly values China's integrity and unreservedly believes in the one-China policy. Bangladesh likewise hopes that China will stand by Bangladesh specially for safeguarding her sovereignty. 

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2005)