DHAKA: To further strengthen cultural ties between Bangladesh and China, Dhaka and Beijing on Wednesday signed a "Cultural Exchange Program (CEP)".

Ranjit Kumar Biswas, secretary of Bangladesh's Cultural Affairs Ministry, and Li Jun, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, signed the deal on be half of their respective sides here Wednesday.

After signing the deal, Ranjit told journalists that the agreement was signed to pave opportunity for exchanging more cultural programs between Bangladesh and China.

In order to further develop and strengthen cultural exchanges and friendly relations existing between Bangladesh and China, Li said the cultural agreement between the two countries was executed in November 1979.

He said the executive program for the years 2014-2017 will cover many areas such as arts, culture and cultural heritage, youth and sports, education and print and electronic media.

In the framework of the new executive program, both the governments will encourage more cultural exchange and cooperation between our two countries in the coming years, he added.

"We have strong reason to believe that the cultural relations between China and Bangladesh will go further in the coming future. I firmly believe that the signing of the new Executive Program will act as a stepping stone in further pushing the cultural communication and cooperation. Let's join our hands to make a new contribution to cultural exchange and cooperation between our two countries, and to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples."

Li said the year of 2015 will be the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, "It is a very important time for us to review historical cooperation and look to the future."

He said he hope "the signing of the new executive program will widen people-to-people exchange and bring out more fruits in the field of culture."

Source: Xinhua News Agency

BDST: 0911 HRS, MAY 29, 2014