President for stronger Bangladesh-China ties

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called for further strengthening Bangladesh-China bilateral relations, with greater Chinese investment in key sectors to accelerate the country's economic development, industrialisation and technological advancement.

He made the call when Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the morning.

During the meeting, the President described China as a trusted friend and an important strategic partner of Bangladesh and stressed the need to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told BSS.

Referring to the signing of the framework agreement for the Mongla Port Modernization and Expansion Project and the groundbreaking of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), the President said the initiatives would make significant contributions to Bangladesh's connectivity, industrialization and overall economic development.

He also welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposals for expanding multidimensional connectivity, including the proposed Kunming-Chattogram corridor and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor.

The President thanked and congratulated President Xi Jinping and invited him to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Highlighting the importance of Chinese investment, Mirza Fakhrul urged Chinese companies to invest more in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors that would promote technology transfer, create employment opportunities and diversify the country's export base.

In response, Liu Haixing assured continued Chinese cooperation in various sectors, including renewable energy, education and cultural exchanges.

The President expressed gratitude to China for its assistance in financing and constructing the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital. He also sought China's continued active role in facilitating the safe repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The Chinese Minister assured that Beijing would continue its cooperation on the Rohingya issue.

The President also thanked China for its continued assistance to Bangladesh amid the ongoing energy crisis.

Recalling the historic visits to China by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in 1977 and 1980, Mirza Fakhrul said those visits had laid a strong foundation for the longstanding friendship and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Referring to his recent visit to China, the President said his meetings with the Chinese Vice President and the visiting Minister had been fruitful and contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.

Mentioning Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China last June, he said the visit would play an important role in taking Bangladesh-China relations to a new height.

He described the Prime Minister's meetings with China's top leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and the signing of memorandums of understanding and other cooperation-related documents as significant progress in advancing bilateral ties.

Liu Haixing said the foundation of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China was established during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and that the relationship was further strengthened during the tenure of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He expressed hope that bilateral relations would become stronger and broader under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The President wished the Chinese Minister continued success and good health.

Earlier, the President welcomed Liu Haixing upon his arrival at Bangabhaban with floral bouquets and introduced him to his secretaries and other members of the delegation.

The Chinese delegation included Liu Yuyin, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, and Peng Xiubin, Director-General of the Bureau of Southeast and South Asian Affairs of the CPC Central Committee's International Department.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Foreign Ministry Secretary (Coordination) Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury were also present.

Following the courtesy meeting, the President accompanied the Chinese Minister to the credential hall, where he briefed him on the country's former presidents.

A video recording of the presentation of credentials by Liu Haixing's father, former Ambassador Liu Shuqing, to then President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman in 1980 was screened. Footage of Mirza Fakhrul's visit to China during his tenure as Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives was also shown.

The President's Military Secretary, Secretary of the Public Division and Press Secretary were present.