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Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed confidence that China-Bangladesh relations will continue to strengthen, saying no storm can hold back the two countries’ “forward march” of friendly cooperation.
“The China-Bangladesh friendship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples and conforms to the trend of the times; no storm can hold back the forward march of our relations,” he said at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Dhaka on Wednesday evening.
Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the reception as the chief guest.
Senior political leaders from the ruling and opposition parties, ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives and journalists were also present.
Yao, who is scheduled to leave Dhaka early next month after nearly four years in Bangladesh, said he was preparing to bid farewell to the country with a deep sense of attachment.
“Looking back fills me with deep emotion. I have served in Bangladesh for three years and nine months, and I will bid farewell to this post in a few days,” he said.
He said he had witnessed Bangladesh’s political transformation and the “historic choices” made by the country at a critical juncture, expressing admiration for the resilience and national dignity of its people.
Yao said Bangladeshis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, had embarked on a new path of reform and development.
“What impressed me most is the optimism and drive of Bangladesh’s young people,” he said, describing young people as a nation’s most precious asset and the future of the country.
“I am fully confident in a bright tomorrow of Bangladesh,” he added.
Recalling his time in Bangladesh, Yao said he had experienced the warmth and friendship of Bangladeshi people and made many local friends, which he said he would cherish.
“May the China-Bangladesh friendship remain evergreen forever! May both our countries enjoy prosperity and our peoples happiness and well-being!” he said.
This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, as well as the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China and the 10th anniversary of their Belt and Road cooperation.
Yao said China supports the new Bangladeshi government in governance and supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing also opposes external interference in Bangladesh and supports the country’s greater role in regional and international affairs, he said.
He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made his first visit to China this year, during which the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era.
According to Yao, the development has provided fresh momentum for the long-term growth of bilateral ties, which he described as being “at their best in history.”