Desk Report:
A high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and top leaders of the People’s Republic of China held an important bilateral meeting in Beijing, the Chinese capital.
The delegation held separate meetings with Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng at the Great Hall of the People and with Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Haixing at the IDCPC building. The meetings resulted in fruitful discussions on various aspects of Bangladesh-China relations.
In the meeting, both sides emphasized on deepening and multi-dimensionalizing Bangladesh-China relations. It was hoped that the relations, which were based on the foundation laid during the time of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and expanded under the leadership of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, will reach new heights under the current leadership.
Both sides referred to the Bangladesh-China “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership” as a reflection of mutual trust, respect and strategic cooperation. At the same time, it was agreed to move forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CPC and the BNP to strengthen institutional relations, regular exchange of views and increase bilateral visits.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that foreign policy is being conducted on the basis of the “Bangladesh First” principle, prioritizing national interests, sovereignty and people’s welfare. He reiterated Bangladesh’s support for the ‘One China’ policy and emphasized on increasing high-level visits and communication between political parties in the future.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, he said that China’s role is important in ensuring safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation. He also expressed hope for expanding cooperation in integrated management of the Teesta River, Chinese language education, cultural exchanges, defense training and institutional capacity building.
In addition, the prospects for cooperation in modern urban management, waste and water treatment technologies, rural development, renewable energy, green energy, electric vehicles, batteries and light and medium industries were also highlighted. In the health sector, the establishment of Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital, robotic surgery, public health development and technical training institutions were also discussed.
China referred to Bangladesh as an important neighbor and reliable partner. They expressed their determination to deepen relations based on mutual respect, trust and cooperation and assured to continue cooperation in various fields.
The meetings also discussed the progress of bilateral relations, the outline of future cooperation and strengthening joint initiatives in the regional and global context. Those concerned believe that such high-level dialogue will further consolidate Bangladesh-China relations and open the door to new possibilities.
It is worth noting that the visiting delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir included BNP central leaders, members of the advisory council, and representatives of various associate organizations.
