BEIJING. Nov 10: Hu Jintao, a member of the standing committee of the political bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) central committee. met with a delegation from the Awami League of Bangladesh here yesterday afternoon, reports Xinhua.

The five-member delegation. headed by the Awami League president Sheikh Hasina. arrived here November 6 as guests of the CPC. According to sources at the International liaison department of the CPC central committee, with the delegation's current visit, th? CPC has established relations with all the main political parties in South Asia.

During the meeting Hu extended a welcome to the Bangladesh guests. He said the delegation is the first -one from the Awami League to visit China, adding that through this visit the official friendly relations between the two parties have been set dp on the basis of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

He expressed his belief that the development of relations between the two parties will

further promote the friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and peoples.

Hu noted that the CPC and the Chinese government will, as always, pay close attention to and develop friendly relations with neighbouring nations. including Bangladesh.

Hu also briefed the guests on China's reforms, opening to the outside world and establishing a socialist market economy.

Hasina said she was glad to have the chance to visit China and see its great changes with her own eyes. She said the delegation is conveying friendship and best wishes from the Awami League and the people of Bangladesh to the CPC and the Chinese people.