Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, today paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, conveying greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting, held at Bangabhaban, was confirmed by President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam, as reported by BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ambassador Yao Wen extended an invitation to President Alamgir for a state visit to China at a mutually suitable time. During their discussion, Yao Wen provided a briefing on the outcomes of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister's recent visit to China. This included the laying of the foundation stone for the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), the signing of a commercial agreement aimed at modernizing Mongla Port, and prospective cooperation in establishing the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
President Alamgir expressed optimism that the Prime Minister's visit to China would further solidify the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations. In response, the Chinese ambassador shared expectations that approximately 30 Chinese companies might invest around US$500 million in Bangladesh, potentially creating employment for around one lakh individuals.
The dialogue covered a range of mutual interests, such as the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project, initiating a foreign minister-level strategic dialogue, and the launch of "2+2" diplomacy and defense talks at the state minister level. Additionally, they discussed the export process of Bangladeshi fruits like jackfruits, mangoes, and guavas to China, collaboration in solar power and electric vehicle assembly, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar economic corridor, and joint efforts to address the Rohingya crisis.
Ambassador Yao Wen also recalled President Alamgir's previous visit to China during his tenure as the LGRD Minister. Both parties expressed their commitment to enhancing the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China through more robust and multifaceted cooperation.
The meeting was attended by the President's Public Division Secretary and Military Secretary.