Bangladesh and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding strategic cooperation following a high-level meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in Beijing.
According to a joint press release issued on May 6, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman visited China from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.
During the meeting, both sides held extensive discussions on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, reaching broad consensus on enhancing cooperation and supporting each other’s core interests.
The two countries agreed to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, and advance the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Bangladesh strongly reiterated its adherence to the One-China Principle, affirming that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and recognizing the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Dhaka also reaffirmed its opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence” and expressed support for China’s national reunification efforts.
In return, China reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independently chosen development path.
The Bangladeshi side congratulated China on the successful beginning of its 15th Five-Year Plan period, while China expressed support for Bangladesh’s current government in advancing its political and development agenda.
Both countries agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and expand collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, digital economy, healthcare, water resources, and people-to-people exchanges. Bangladesh also sought China’s support and involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
Bangladesh highly praised President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a “community with a shared future for mankind” and welcomed China’s major global initiatives.
On international issues, both sides reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. They also agreed to promote a more equal and inclusive global order.
Regarding the Middle East, Bangladesh appreciated President Xi’s proposals for peace and stability in the region. Both countries called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of non-military targets, and the maintenance of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
China also reiterated its support for efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis through dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar and pledged continued assistance for the repatriation process.
At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Khalilur Rahman thanked the Chinese government for its hospitality and invited Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
Source: Joint Press Release, Beijing.