January 22, 2025
DHAKA – Beijing is willing to work with Bangladesh to deepen friendship, strengthen strategic communication and advance comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, said China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi today.
China is also willing to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to further advance bilateral ties, he told Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain during a meeting in Beijing.
“China has always prioritised Bangladesh in its neighbourhood diplomacy and adheres to a good-neighbour policy toward all Bangladeshi people,” reports China Daily quoting Wang.
Touhid Hossain arrived in Beijing Monday night for a four-day visit. This is his first visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese foreign minister.
The fact that Hossain made China the destination of his first trip overseas after assuming office reflects the great importance that the interim government of Bangladesh attaches to China-Bangladesh relations, Wang said.
He said the mordernisation and reform drives in China will offer new opportunities for countries worldwide.
Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to sign a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation with China.
Wang called on the two countries to coordinate efforts to implement major landmark projects and “small but beautiful” livelihood programmes. He also urged for consolidating traditional cooperation while exploring new emerging areas.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bangladesh, as well as the China-Bangladesh Year of Cultural Exchange.
Hossain said there is a cross-party consensus on the friendship with China. It has been supported by successive governments and the people of the country also want to strengthen the ties.
He thanked China for supporting Bangladesh in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity while pledging the country’s firm adherence to the one-China principle.
Hossain also expressed gratitude for China’s long-term selfless support for Bangladesh’s development, bringing about tangible benefits to its people.
Bangladesh is willing to engage in mutual support with China in international forums, strengthen coordination in regional affairs, act as partners in promoting connectivity and regional economic integration, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, he said.