<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">The outgoing ambassadors of Japan and China separately called on President M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban here today.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>President's press secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS that Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki and Chinese Ambassador Li Jimming held separate subsequent meetings at the Bangabhaban this evening.</div><div><br></div><div>During the meetings, the President thanked the outgoing ambassadors of Japan and China for their successful performance in Dhaka.</div><div><br></div><div>President Hamid said Japan is the tested and faithful friend of Bangladesh since Bangladesh's independence. Japan has been contributing as an important partner to the development of the country, he added.</div><div><br></div><div>He said during the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in 1973, the very good relations was developed between the two countries and gradually this ties has gained a new dimensions in various fields including business and trade.</div><div><br></div><div>Referring to the Japan's financial and technical support for the implementation of various mega projects in Bangladesh, the Head of State said a special economic zone has been established in Narayanganj for Japanese investors.</div><div><br></div><div>Japanese investors, as a result, will be interested in investing more in Bangladesh, he hoped.</div><div><br></div><div>The outgoing ambassador of Japan thanked the President for his cooperation in the discharge of his duties.</div><div><br></div><div>The envoy said his country attaches importance to the development of relations with Bangladesh and Japan's support for the country's development will continue in the days to come.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, during a separate meeting with the Chinese ambassador, President Hamid termed China as one of the Bangladesh's biggest development partners.</div><div><br></div><div>He thanked the Chinese government for providing vaccine to Bangladesh to combat lethal COVID-19 pandemic.</div><div><br></div><div>Mentioning the excellent bilateral ties relations between Bangladesh and China, the President said the trade and commerce relation between the two countries is gradually increasing.</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, President Hamid also mourned the death of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin.</div><div><br></div><div>During the meeting, Chinese ambassador thanked the President for his cooperation in fulfilling his duties and expressed the hope that Bangladesh's relations with China will deepen more in the upcoming days.</div><div><br></div><div>President's Office Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam, Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin and Secretary (attached) Md. Wahidul Islam Khan were present. ‍According to BSS reports&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>