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Bangladesh and China are set to launch a state minister-level diplomacy and defence dialogue as the two countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said during a meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir in Dhaka on Sunday.
The two sides discussed the proposed dialogue during the ambassador’s courtesy call on the state minister at the Foreign Ministry, along with a range of bilateral and regional issues.
The planned diplomacy and defence dialogue is expected to provide a new platform for Bangladesh and China to discuss security and defence-related matters as part of their broader bilateral engagement.
The meeting also discussed the early launch of a foreign minister-level strategic dialogue between the two countries.
Ambassador Yao briefed Kabir on the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, including bilateral cooperation in strategic infrastructure and economic projects.
The projects discussed included the groundbreaking of the China Economic and Industrial Zone, the signing of a commercial contract for the modernisation of Mongla Port and possible cooperation in establishing a Mongla Export Processing Zone.
The two sides also discussed cooperation on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the Rohingya issue.
They also discussed plans to initiate the export of jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh to China.
Ambassador Yao congratulated Kabir on assuming office and sought his support in further advancing Bangladesh-China relations.
Kabir described China as a trusted friend and valued strategic partner of Bangladesh and reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to the One-China Principle.
The Chinese ambassador also briefed the state minister on upcoming high-level exchanges and visits, including planned visits to Bangladesh by senior Chinese officials.
Yao invited Kabir to visit China in October this year.
