Public administration minister and Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on Thursday hoped that the relations between Bangladesh and China would be strengthened further in future. ‘China is a superpower and our neighbour. As a neighbour, the relations between the governments of the two countries and Awami League and Communist Party of China have been strengthened. And we hope the relations would be strengthened further in the days to come,’ he said. Syed Ashraf came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with special envoy of the Communist Party of China Chen Fengxiang. While talking to reporters Chen Fengxiang, also the vice minister for international department of Communist Party of China, said, ‘You know CPC and Awami League are frequently exchanging high level meetings. Through this kind of exchange, we have not only strengthened the friendship and cooperation between the two countries but also understanding and friendship between the two peoples.’ He also said that CPC stands ready to further strengthen relations with Awami League on the basis of four principles – no interference in internal affairs, equality, independence and mutual benefits.