Three Chinese naval ships—Tang Shan, Da Qing and Tai Hu—arrived at Chattogram Port on Thursday for a five-day goodwill visit to Bangladesh, aimed at strengthening naval cooperation and enhancing professional exchanges between the two countries.
The visiting vessels were received at Chattogram Port by the Chief Staff Officer to the Commander, Chattogram Naval Area. A well-turned-out naval band performed traditional musical tributes during the welcoming ceremony.
Senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, Chinese nationals and high-ranking officials of the Bangladesh Navy were present at the port to welcome the visiting ships.
Earlier, Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Umar Farooq received the Chinese vessels after they entered Bangladeshi waters and escorted them towards Chattogram Port.
During their stay, a delegation comprising the commanding officers of the three visiting ships and the Chinese Military Attaché to Bangladesh will pay courtesy calls on the Commander, Chattogram Naval Area; the Commander, Bangladesh Navy Fleet; and the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority.
The visit will also include a series of professional and cultural activities involving personnel from both navies.
Officers and sailors of the Chinese ships are scheduled to visit Bangladesh Navy ships and naval bases, as well as a number of scenic and historical locations in Chattogram. In return, Bangladesh Navy personnel will visit the Chinese vessels.
The reciprocal visits are expected to provide naval personnel from both countries with opportunities to observe each other’s operational practices and professional standards and to exchange views on naval activities and experiences.
The goodwill visit is also expected to contribute to the further development of Bangladesh-China bilateral relations by creating opportunities for greater professional interaction between naval officers and sailors of the two countries.
Officials said such exchanges can help enhance mutual understanding and provide a platform for discussing future training, professional cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.
The Chinese naval ships are scheduled to depart Bangladeshi waters on 21 September, following the conclusion of their five-day visit.
