Chittagong — Chinese Navy hospital ship Peace Ark arrived at Bangladesh’s southeastern port city Chittagong on Monday, beginning its one-week mission to provide free medical service to locals.The visit is part of the ‘Mission Harmony 2013 undertaken by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy to advocate China’s philosophy of a harmonious world and a harmonious ocean, Colonel Zhang Wei, defence attache of the Chinese embassy to Dhaka, told Xinhua news agency.
Bangladesh’s Deputy Chief of Navy Staff Saiful Kabir said the visit is testimony of the deep ties between Bangladesh and China, saying the ship’s visit will further boost relationship and military cooperation between the two navies.
During its stay in Chittagong, staff of Peace Ark will also conduct academic exchanges with Bangladesh military hospitals.
It is the second time that Peace Ark visits the premier port of Bangladesh after its last visit in 2010.
Bangladesh is one of eight Asian countries on Peace Ark’s tour list that launched its four-month trip on June 10.
The ship visited Brunei, the Gulf of Aden, Maldives, Pakistan and India in the last two months.
Peace Ark will conclude its visit to Bangladesh on Aug 25 before sailing to Indonesia and Cambodia.
— BERNAMA
