Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir announced today that Bangladesh and China are preparing to initiate their 2+2 dialogue, marking a significant development in the strategic cooperation between the two nations. This mechanism is considered one of the highest levels of engagement, involving both diplomacy and defense, reflecting the deepening ties between the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Kobir made this announcement following a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the foreign ministry. The discussions centered around launching a State Minister-level Diplomacy and Defense Dialogue, along with an early Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue. The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will include foreign and defense ministers from both countries, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in these crucial areas.
While no specific date has been set for the dialogue, Kobir emphasized that discussions are underway, highlighting the growing strategic depth of Bangladesh-China relations. He described the 2+2 mechanism as a testament to Bangladesh's increasing geopolitical relevance under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, demonstrating the country's importance to major international stakeholders.
Kobir stressed the importance of conducting international engagements from a position of strength, backed by the popular mandate of the Bangladeshi government. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to the One-China Principle, expressing satisfaction over the renewed momentum in bilateral relations following Prime Minister Rahman's recent visit to China.
During the meeting, both sides addressed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation on the Teesta River management, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and the Rohingya issue. They also discussed potential exports of Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava to China, as well as the early commencement of the Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue.
Ambassador Yao Wen congratulated Kobir on his new role and highlighted the progress in implementing outcomes from the prime minister's visit to China. This includes the groundbreaking of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and a commercial contract for the modernization of Mongla Port. Yao also mentioned potential Chinese involvement in establishing a Mongla Export Processing Zone, with the CEIZ expected to attract significant investment and create thousands of jobs.
The Chinese envoy also briefed Kobir on upcoming high-level exchanges and invited him to visit China in October, further solidifying the positive trajectory of bilateral relations.