Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has met acting Foreign Secretary Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam and discussed the ways to repatriate Rohingyas to their homeland as well as the recent tension at Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Talking to a small group of reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the meeting today, Ambassador Li said they have discussed several issues, including “early repatriation” of the Rohingyas and cooperation between the two countries.
Asked whether they discussed the recent border issues with Myanmar, the Chinese envoy said they touched upon the recent developments and the acting foreign secretary did mention that.
“That was very unfortunate…..I have no more information,” he said.
Talking to reporters, Khurshed Alam said China assured Bangladesh of talking to the Myanmar authorities for ensuring peace along the border.
Responding to a question, he said Bangladesh thinks China, as a friendly country of Bangladesh, will convey Bangladesh’s message to Myanmar as China has the leverage.
The acting foreign secretary said he briefed the Chinese ambassador on the recent incidents in the bordering areas with Myanmar.
He said Bangladesh also urged the Chinese Ambassador to expedite the Rohingya repatriation process which is yet to start.
There is a tripartite mechanism involving Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to discuss and find ways to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
Last week, Bangladesh sought support and necessary steps from the international community to stop the violence so that Myanmar cannot create instability in the region and thus avoid the repatriation of the Rohingyas.
Bangladesh conveyed to the international community that it is working with much patience and tolerance; and Bangladesh did not do anything that might cause Myanmar’s mortar shells landing inside Bangladesh — impacting the life and livelihoods of Bangladeshis.
Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.
Source: United News of Bangladesh