CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Jan. 27 -- Three Chinese naval ships, comprising the guided-missile frigates Liuzhou, Sanya and the comprehensive supply ship Qinghaihu Wednesday arrived at Bangladesh's southeastern seaport city Chittagong, some 242 km southeast of capital Dhaka, for a five-day goodwill visit.

The ships were welcomed by top Bangladesh Naval officers including Commodore M Rashed Ali, captain of BNS (Bangladesh Naval Ship) Issa Khan, and scores of Chinese living in the country.

Bangladesh navy held a welcome ceremony for the Chinese ships. Many Chinese living in Bangladesh, waving Chinese national flags, expressed their regards to the officers and crew of Chinese ships.

Bangladesh Navy Ship Bijoy welcomed the Chinese navy taskforce soon after they reached Bangladesh waters in the Bay of Bengal.

A statement distributed during the welcome ceremony expressed the hope that the visit of the ships will further strengthen the cooperation and friendship between the navies of the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqiang, who was present in the welcome ceremony, has also expressed his confidence that the visit of the ships will further promote the fraternal friendship between China and Bangladesh.

The Chinese ships are expected to leave Bangladesh on Jan. 31.