BEIJING -- Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met here Friday with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Noting that friendly exchanges between China and Bangladesh have entered a new chapter since 2016 when the bilateral ties were lifted to strategic partnership of cooperation, Li said China is ready to work with the Bangladeshi side to implement the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders and deepen cooperation under the main theme of jointly building the Belt and Road.

Li also expressed willingness to advance cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies, and promote exchanges on the experience of governance.

Hasina hailed the friendship with China, saying China is Bangladesh's close and reliable friend, and the two countries always support each other on the international arena. She expressed gratitude for China's long-term assistance and said Bangladesh will work with China to deepen pragmatic cooperation.