China commits to supporting Bangladesh’s bid to join BRICS
STAFF REPORTER
China has commended Bangladesh’s interest in joining BRICS and has pledged active support from Beijing.
In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this assurance came during the 13th round of bilateral political consultations between Bangladesh and China held in Beijing on Monday.
BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong led their respective delegations in the discussions.
The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic ties, promoting trade and investment, and exploring opportunities for cooperation on multilateral platforms.
China’s Vice Minister congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election and expressed hope that under her leadership, the Bengali nation will achieve the dream of ‘Golden Bengal.’
Both sides agreed to collaborate on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to China.
In his opening remarks, Foreign Secretary Momen emphasized the importance of Bangladesh’s relationship with China, based on shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations.
He recalled the visits of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957, expressing hope that the book “Amar Dekha Naya Chin” (The New China as I Saw) would be published in Chinese before the visit.
Momen also highlighted President Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit to Bangladesh, which elevated the relationship to a “strategic partnership of cooperation.”
The Foreign Secretary thanked China for its support in infrastructural development, including several mega projects.
He explained Bangladesh’s growing economy and sought China’s assistance in facilitating the existing duty-free, quota-free (DFQF) access framework for Bangladeshi products in China.
Momen emphasized the need for global cooperation in tackling challenges such as pandemics and climate change.
He expressed hope for China’s continued support in the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh.
China’s Vice Minister welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation and expressed deep sympathy for the damage caused by the recent cyclone ‘Remal.’
He recalled Prime Minister Hasina’s visits to China since 2010 and her discussions with President Xi at last year’s BRICS summit.
Weidong mentioned that the embassies in Dhaka and Beijing could work together to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He emphasized the importance of high-level exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Weidong expressed China’s interest in working together to facilitate the import of mangoes and other agricultural products from Bangladesh and in supporting youth skill development.
China assured the rapid repatriation of Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh.
Both sides decided that the next round of bilateral political consultations between the two foreign ministries will be held in Dhaka next year.
The Bangladeshi delegation included Ambassador to China Jashim Uddin, Additional Secretary of ERD Anwar Hossain, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Embassy in China.
Officials from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated in the discussions.
