Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought China’s support for Bangladesh’s key development initiatives, including the construction of the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, during a meeting with a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing.
The Prime Minister made the request when Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, paid a courtesy call on him at the State Diaoyutai Guest House at 9:15 am local time.
At the outset of the meeting, Liu Haixing congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Recalling the longstanding relationship between the two countries, Liu noted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had visited China nine times. He also mentioned that a photograph from her 2001 visit is preserved at the Museum of the Communist Party of China as a reflection of the historical relationship between the two sides.
The Chinese leader also referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Communist Party of China and expressed interest in further expanding communication and cooperation between the two political parties.
He said China hopes to deepen collaboration in new areas, particularly media cooperation, think-tank exchanges, people-to-people contacts and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the people.
Liu Haixing reiterated that China firmly supports Bangladesh’s sovereignty, security and development and emphasized the importance of advancing bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and practical cooperation.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed hope for greater Chinese cooperation in Bangladesh’s ongoing and future development projects, with particular emphasis on the construction of the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital.
He also expressed confidence that the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China would continue to deepen and create new opportunities for cooperation in the years ahead.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Liu Haixing said he was optimistic that the people of Bangladesh would enjoy greater prosperity and improved living standards under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.
The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kobir, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.
Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Sun Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and other senior Chinese officials were also present.
