Sheikh Hasina’s China visit

The latest visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China is another milestone in the history that opens a new chapter of Bangladesh-China ties. This one is another historical one as it has bolstered our country’s ties with China. The diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China continued to grow over time. Now it has reached the strategic level of development cooperation since China President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Bangladesh in October 2016. And Sheikh Hasina’s latest visit to Beijing too strengthened the bonds between the two countries.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader categorically termed China a development friend. China has contributed to many developments (projects) of this country. China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and the sec- ond-largest source of foreign investment. Therefore, China’s economic and trade cooperation with Bangladesh comes with no political strings attached nor demands for special privileges.

The government will seize opportunities from anywhere for the sake of the country’s development. Our country has a partnership with China, why do not we take help if we get the opportunity? Therefore, Bangladesh may take help suitable for us from any counry for the development work. During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit Bangladesh and China have agreed to elevate the relations to a ‘comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership’ from ‘strate- gic partnership’.

Bangladesh foreign ministry published the 27-point joint statement on its website after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wrapped up her three-day bilateral visit to China from June 8 to 10. The two sides have shared the views that early repatriation is the only way to resolve the Rohingya issue. Leaders of the two countries agreed to stay committed to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward the long- standing friendship, foster greater synergy between development strategies of the two countries, advance the Belt and Road cooperation, and elevate the bilateral relation- ship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, says a joint statement.

China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and the second-largest source of foreign investment. Bangladesh and China applauded their strategic partner- ship of cooperation established in 2016 and agreed that the China-Bangladesh relationship has reached a new height. The two countries decided to take the opportunity of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations in 2025 to plan together for the future development of bilateral ties and take China-Bangladesh relationship to another new height.

We believe this visit will surely inject vibrant impetus into the bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, and promote new achievements in the Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between China and Bangladesh, and elevate the relationship to a new height. The visit has outlined a new blueprint for practical cooperation in various fields and provides an opportunity for the two countries to coordinate our positions in regional and international affairs.

Both sides support each other and further deepen communication at all levels. The relationship between the two countries boasts strong vitality, dynamism, and development potential. Bangladesh has maintained long-term political stability and rapid economic development, and its economic strength has risen to the second place in South Asia, thus creating a ‘Bay of Bengal Miracle’. We think this time Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China is a very significant one amid the Ukraine crisis, Palestaine Israel war and global economic downturn as the two South Asian nations seek enhanced cooperation to overcome the challenges.