Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia leaves Dhaka Wednesday on a five-day official visit to China at an invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.

Khaleda Zia is paying the visit to China in the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, marked by steady and smooth development of excellent bilateral ties.

The official news agency of Bangladesh BSS Tuesday described the visit as "significant", saying that the visit is expected to result in "closer political understanding, enhanced economic cooperation, increased trade, more frequent interaction and people-to-people contact between the two Asian countries."

According to the report, Khaleda Zia and Wen will discuss the increase in cooperation, especially trade and economic cooperation, and Chinese assistance for peaceful use of nuclear energy, use of gas resources and water management.

The Bangladeshi prime minister's discussions with Chinese leaders in different spheres "would help draw-up an outline for future bilateral relations in the new millennium," the report said.

The talks between the two premiers are likely to be capped by concluding a number of agreements and several Memorandum of Understanding covering energy, education, tourism and culture, the report noted.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2005)