Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman today said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China elevated Dhaka-Beijing relations to their highest level, marking the beginning of a 'China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future.' This is the highest step in terms of China's bilateral engagement, the foreign minister told a media briefing at the foreign ministry while highlighting the outcomes of the prime minister's just-concluded visits to Malaysia and China.
Strategic Upgrade and New Mechanisms
Leaders of the two countries agreed to elevate relations from a 'Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership' to a 'China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future' in the new era, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. Dr. Rahman said Bangladesh and China agreed to institutionalise a Strategic Dialogue at the foreign minister level and introduce a '2+2' dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defence.
Key Projects and Agreements
The two countries also agreed to expedite the implementation of the Mongla Port Modernisation and Expansion Project and the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone Development Project in Chattogram. During the visit, Bangladesh and China signed eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs), three agreements, one protocol and one Joint Action Plan covering development cooperation, human resource development, agriculture, education, trade, investment and media cooperation.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The two countries also discussed strengthening regional connectivity through multimodal transport links connecting Kunming with Bangladeshi ports and advancing the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Significant progress was made on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), with China pledging its fullest support and both sides agreeing to expedite the project's feasibility study.
Enhanced Global Profile
Dr. Khalilur Rahman said China also pledged its full support for Bangladesh's efforts to join BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the two sides also signed a party-to-party memorandum of understanding to strengthen political cooperation. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home on Friday after concluding his maiden overseas tour to Malaysia and China.
