Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said it is solely Bangladesh's sovereign right to decide on the Teesta project, and that this decision must be respected.
"Whatever project regarding the Teesta River is truly on Bangladesh's side to make a decision. And the decision has to be respected," he told diplomatic correspondents at a DCAB Talk, responding to a question on the Teesta River that Bangladesh shares with India.
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event at the Jatiya Press Club ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China next week. DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke at the event.
The Chinese ambassador stated that the visit will outline a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provide an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate their positions on regional and international affairs.
He mentioned that China had made its proposal on the Teesta following Bangladesh's request and is open to accepting any decision. "We are open. It's purely on Bangladesh to decide what to do at the next stage."
India also expressed interest and announced that a technical team would soon visit Bangladesh to discuss the Teesta conservation and management issues.
On 25 June, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that the government would accept the financing proposal for the Teesta Master Plan Project based on what is most beneficial for the country.
Addressing a separate question, Ambassador Yao emphasised the importance of good relations between Bangladesh and its neighbouring countries.
"You know, it's a success of your national foreign policy. So, we want to see good relations. And also, we want our relations to be playing a positive role and be viewed positively by the other countries. So that is a win-win cooperation and will benefit all parties," he said.
Yao Wen dismissed any notion of tension between India and China regarding this project, stating, "I don't see any tension. We want to see the project start very soon. Since I know almost 30 million people need this project, we just want to see if it can be studied and completed very soon."
Regarding the development of southern Bangladesh, he mentioned that it is a proposal from the Bangladesh side and that China could play a significant role in aiding this development.
"It's a good opportunity for China to get involved in the internal development of Bangladesh and we'll have a very active and positive approach to that proposal," the Chinese envoy said.
He also praised Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts in sheltering over 1 million Rohingya refugees.
"China is actively pursuing all parties involved in the Myanmar conflict to achieve a ceasefire and engage in dialogue, thus paving the way for the repatriation at an early date," Yao Wen said.
He added that China is ready to support Bangladesh in the multilateral arena, jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and promoting regional and international peace and stability.
The ambassador highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as education, media, infrastructure, trade promotion, investment, agricultural imports from Bangladesh, and the digital economy during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit.
He noted that the Bangladesh-China relationship is at its best and is embracing tremendous development opportunities. "Next year, our two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. How to further elevate bilateral relations, expand the scope of exchanges, tap the potential for cooperation, and make the relationship between our two countries and peoples better, deeper, and closer is a task that requires joint efforts from both sides," he said.
Yao Wen emphasised that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China will be a milestone in bilateral relations, building on past achievements and forging ahead. "This visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, promoting new achievements in the strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevating the relationship to a new height," he said.
The envoy highlighted that Hasina's visit to China is highly anticipated by all. "This visit is expected to take the helm for the growth of the China-Bangladesh relationship for the next five years or even longer."
During the visit, the prime minister will meet Chinese leaders, sign a number of cooperation documents and jointly announce major cooperation achievements. Through this visit, both sides will firmly support each other and further deepen communication at all levels, he mentioned.