Diplomatic Desk:
Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)—currently visiting Bangladesh—paid a courtesy call on the President. During the meeting, held at Bangabhaban on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), the two sides emphasized strengthening existing bilateral relations and expanding economic and strategic cooperation between Bangladesh and China.
Describing China as a trusted friend and a key strategic partner of Bangladesh, the President noted that there is significant potential to further deepen and broaden the long-standing friendly ties between the two nations.
This information was conveyed to the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) by the President’s Press Secretary, Md. Sarwar Alam.
Referring to the signing of the framework agreement for the modernization and expansion of Mongla Port, as well as the laying of the foundation stone for the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), the President stated that these initiatives would make a vital contribution to Bangladesh’s connectivity, industrialization, and economic development.
The President also welcomed the proposal by Chinese President Xi Jinping to expand regional connectivity—including the proposed corridor linking Kunming and Chittagong, as well as the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. Furthermore, he encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh, specifically in sectors that facilitate technology transfer, job creation, and export diversification.
The President expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support in addressing Bangladesh’s energy crisis. He also thanked China for its assistance in financing and constructing the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital. Additionally, he urged China to continue its active role in ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya people.
In response, Chinese Minister Liu Haixing assured that China would continue its cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors, including green energy, education, and cultural exchange. He stated that China’s cooperation regarding the issue of Rohingya repatriation would continue.
During the meeting, the President recalled the historical ties between the two nations, noting with deep gratitude the visits to China by the late President Ziaur Rahman in 1977 and 1980. He remarked that these historic visits played a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and China.
Chinese Minister Liu Haixing noted that the foundation for diplomatic relations between the two countries was laid during the tenure of the late President Ziaur Rahman, and that these ties were further bolstered during the term of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He expressed optimism that under the leadership of the current Prime Minister, Tareque Rahman, Bangladesh-China relations would reach new heights.
The President also touched upon his own most recent visit to China, as well as Prime Minister Tareque Rahman’s visit to the country last June. He observed that the Prime Minister’s meetings with top Chinese leadership—including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang—along with the signing of various memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements, represent positive progress in the development of bilateral relations.
The President extended his thanks and congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping and invited him to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. He also wished Chinese Minister Liu Haixing good health and continued success.
Earlier, upon the Minister’s arrival at Bangabhaban, the President welcomed him with flowers and introduced him to his secretaries.
The Chinese delegation included Liu Yuyin, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, and Peng Xiubin, Director General of the South and Southeast Asia Bureau of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Representing Bangladesh were State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, Foreign Ministry Secretary (Coordination) Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, and other relevant officials.
Following the courtesy call, the President took the Chinese Minister and the members of his delegation on a tour of Bangabhaban. During the tour, they were shown footage of the late President Ziaur Rahman receiving credentials from the Chinese Minister’s father—former Ambassador Liu Shuqing—during his tenure in Bangladesh in 1980, as well as historical photographs from the President’s own visit to China.
