United Nations, Sep 27 (IANS): China and Bangladesh at the UN agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Calling Bangladesh "a good neighbour, good friend and good partner", Chinese President Xi Jinping said Beijing regards Bangladesh as an important cooperation partner in the South Asia-Indian Ocean region and stands ready to maintain high-level exchanges with Dhaka.

In his meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday, Xi agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade, production capacity, energy development and infrastructure construction, reported Xinhua news agency.

The two countries should maintain communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, Xi said, adding that China will provide assistance within its capacity for Bangladesh to cope with climate change.

Also, China values the role Bangladesh plays in promoting the construction of an economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar, and will work closely with all other sides to achieve results as soon as possible.

Hasina, for her part, said Bangladesh and China have built a close partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago and Dhaka is grateful to China for its long-time assistance for Bangladesh's social and economic development.

Bangladesh is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, finance, infrastructure construction and culture, and will actively participate in cooperation programmes under the framework of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar corridor.