China expresses deep condolences over passing of former Bangladeshi PM Khaleda Zia: FM spokesperson

BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- China expresses deep condolences over the passing of Khaleda Zia, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian also said that China extends sincere sympathies to the interim government of Bangladesh and to her family.

According to media reports, Khaleda Zia passed away at the age of 80 on Tuesday.

Lin said that Zia was an old friend of the Chinese people and had long been committed to the China-Bangladesh friendship. Lin said Zia made active efforts to develop China-Bangladesh ties during her tenure as Bangladeshi Prime Minister, and the two countries established a comprehensive partnership of cooperation featuring long-term friendship, equality and mutual benefit.

"Her important contribution to promoting the China-Bangladesh friendship and the development of bilateral ties will be remembered forever," Lin said. ■