China and Bangladesh have elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Beijing on Wednesday.
During their discussions at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi emphasized the longstanding friendship between China and Bangladesh, highlighting over a thousand years of friendly exchanges between the two nations. He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, both countries have demonstrated mutual respect and support, treating each other as equals and engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation.
“This has set a good example of friendly exchanges and cooperation between countries, especially among Global South nations,” President Xi said.
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, President Xi expressed China’s readiness to deepen high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He called for expanded cooperation in various fields to promote the steady development of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the significance of the upgraded partnership and expressed her commitment to strengthening ties with China. She highlighted the potential for increased collaboration in trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
President Xi emphasized the importance of carrying forward the tradition of mutual support and deepening political mutual trust. He affirmed China’s support for Bangladesh in pursuing an independent foreign policy and development path aligned with its national conditions, while safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China is prepared to enhance exchanges with Bangladesh on governance experiences and development policies, strengthening the alignment of development strategies between the two countries. President Xi also encouraged Chinese businesses to invest in Bangladesh, promoting the development of industrial and supply chains to aid Bangladesh’s national development.
The leaders agreed to designate next year as the Year of People-to-People Exchanges between China and Bangladesh, aiming to promote cooperation in culture, tourism, media, and sports. President Xi expressed China’s willingness to collaborate closely with Bangladesh on international and regional affairs, strengthening coordination within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity, emphasizing the common values of peace, development, and cooperation.
Reference(s):
China, Bangladesh lift ties in President Xi's meeting with PM Hasina
cgtn.com
