In a significant move to strengthen ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Bangladeshi interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Beijing on Friday. The two leaders vowed to elevate cooperation between their nations, aiming to bring greater benefits to their peoples.
“China is committed to being a trusted neighbor, friend, and partner of Bangladesh,” President Xi said during the meeting. He highlighted the long history of friendly exchanges between the Chinese and Bangladeshi people, dating back to the ancient Silk Road that closely linked the two countries.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, as well as the Year of China-Bangladesh Cultural Exchanges. Over five decades, both nations have consistently supported each other, treated one another as equals, and pursued win-win cooperation.
President Xi emphasized the importance of deepening political mutual trust and firmly supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. “China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity,” he stated.
The leaders discussed advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, with plans to expand collaboration in areas such as the digital economy, green economy, marine economy, infrastructure, and water conservancy. Enhancing people-to-people exchanges was also a key topic, aiming to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two populations.
President Xi expressed China’s advocacy for an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all. He conveyed China’s willingness to strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation with Bangladesh to promote development through solidarity among countries of the Global South.
Chief Adviser Yunus acknowledged China as a reliable partner and friend. He affirmed Bangladesh’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and its opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence.”
“Bangladesh is willing to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to promote our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” Yunus said. He welcomed more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh and assist with the country’s economic transformation.
Yunus also commended the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi, expressing Bangladesh’s willingness to strengthen coordination with China to embrace opportunities and tackle challenges together. “We aim to jointly safeguard world peace, stability, development, and prosperity,” he added.
