Dhaka: Foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali on Thursday said China remains an ‘inspiration’ and it acts as an ‘important partner’ in Bangladesh’s journey towards its transformation into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition titled ‘Chinese Culture to South Asia, Exhibition of Arts of Contemporary China’ at Shilpakala Academy in the city.

Cultural Affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Chinese ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang, president of Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association (BCPFA) CM Shafi Sami and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's director general Liaquat Ali Lucky, among others, spoke on the occasion.

The foreign minister laid emphasis on enhanced cooperation in cultural and other bilateral areas between the two countries under closer and comprehensive partnership initiatives.  

Speaking at the function, the Chinese envoy said the relations between the two countries have been expanded in almost all areas over the last 40 years.  

‘We’re living in a much more complicated and diversified world. The cultural exchanges remain to be the strongest one for the relations.’  

Ma Mingqiang said the cultural exchange will help learn from each other and enrich the culture of each country. ‘This cultural exchange will continue to play a big role towards peace and prosperity.’  

The cultural affairs minister said there should be more interaction between the artists of both countries.  

He also stressed continuing cultural exchanges to know each other in a better way.

Lucky said artists are the best ambassadors of peace and tranquillity and they will continue to play a role in establishing peace and humanity.  

He observed that the budget for procuring arms is on the rise globally, while that for cultural exchanges is coming down. ‘We want increased budget for cultural exchange programmes.’  

Ambassadors from various countries, including Russia, Egypt, Turkey, former diplomats and a good number of Chinese artists were present.