Dhaka: Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. During the meeting, the Speaker described China as one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most trusted friends, noting that 1977 marked a milestone in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Speaker recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties through his visit to China, while former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s visit in 1991 elevated the relationship to a new height, said a press release. Highlighting the importance of people-to-people connect, the Speaker said such bonds form the foundation of Bangladesh-China relation.
He stressed the need for enhanced parliamentary exchanges, including mutual visits by lawmakers to further consolidate bilateral ties. He also underscored the importance of quickly forming a parliamentary friendship group between the two countries under democratic government.
Referring to regional cooperation, the Speaker said Ziaur Rahman’s proposal to establish SAARC was a groundbreaking initiative that opened new horizon of mutual cooperation in South Asia. He added that China’s presence in SAARC as an observer has introduced a new dimension to regional cooperation and development.
The Speaker also emphasized the importance of China’s role in implementing the Teesta project and resolving the Rohingya crisis. Ambassador Yao Wen said Bangladesh’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative is significant for both countries. He congratulated the Speaker on his election and presented a goodwill memento on behalf of the Chinese government. In return, the Speaker presented a souvenir bearing the emblem of the National Martyrs Memorial to the Ambassador.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral relations and development partnership to new heights. They also discussed China’s role in addressing the Rohingya crisis and the ongoing global energy situation. Senior officials from the Chinese Embassy and the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present.