Dhaka: Bangladesh and China today engaged in discussions to initiate a State Minister-level Diplomacy and Defense Dialogue, along with an early Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue, as both nations aim to further enhance their strategic partnership.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions took place when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the foreign ministry. During their meeting, Kobir described China as a 'trusted friend and valued strategic partner' of Bangladesh and reiterated Dhaka's commitment to the One-China Principle.
Kobir expressed satisfaction with the revitalized momentum in bilateral relations and the elevation of ties to a 'China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future,' following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China. The discussions covered a broad range of mutual interests, including cooperation on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration and the early commencement of the Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue.
Additionally, both parties deliberated on initiating the State Minister-level Diplomacy and Defense Dialogue, starting the process for exporting Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava to China, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and cooperation on the Rohingya issue.
Ambassador Yao congratulated Kobir on assuming office and sought his support to further strengthen the longstanding and close relationship between the two countries. He also conveyed felicitations from China's Executive Deputy Foreign Minister to the state minister.
The Chinese envoy briefed Kobir on the progress regarding outcomes from the prime minister's recent visit to China, including the groundbreaking of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and the signing of a commercial contract for the modernization of Mongla Port. Possible cooperation on establishing a Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ) was also discussed.
Yao mentioned that the CEIZ is expected to attract around 30 Chinese companies with approximately US$500 million in investment, potentially creating an estimated 100,000 jobs for Bangladeshis. The ambassador also informed the state minister about upcoming high-level exchanges and visits, including planned visits to Bangladesh by the Vice President of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), and the Executive Vice Governor of Yunnan Province.
Finally, Yao extended an invitation to Kobir to visit China in October this year.