Bangladesh and China are preparing to launch ministerial-level diplomatic and defence dialogues, while discussions are also underway to establish foreign minister-level strategic dialogues aimed at further strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries.
On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen held a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaun Kabir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, Bangladesh described China as a trusted friend and an important strategic partner, while reaffirming its commitment to the “One-China Policy.”
Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said around 30 Chinese companies may invest in the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), with the potential investment amount estimated at around US$500 million. The investments could create approximately 100,000 employment opportunities for local Bangladeshis, he said.
The meeting also discussed the integrated management and restoration project of the Teesta River, the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, resolving the Muslim refugee crisis, and exporting jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh to China.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh was informed about planned visits by the Vice President of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, and the Executive Vice Governor of Yunnan Province.
In addition, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen invited Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaun Kabir to visit China in October.
The latest developments indicate that relations between Dhaka and Beijing are moving beyond economic and trade cooperation toward more institutionalized diplomatic, strategic and defence cooperation.
Source: Bangladeshi media.
