BEIJING - China is willing to continue to work with Bangladesh to strengthen the two countries' comprehensive partnership of cooperation, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman died Wednesday in a Singapore hospital. Spokesman Hong Lei was asked at a regular press briefing to comment on his death.

"President Xi Jinping has sent a message of condolences to acting President Abdul Hamid," Hong said, adding that China's government and people value their friendship with Bangladesh and are willing to work to strengthen ties and bring benefits to the two countries, as well as the two peoples.

Noting that Rahman attached great importance to developing relations with China, Hong spoke highly of his contributions in boosting bilateral ties and cooperation.