Bangladesh formally sought China’s involvement and support in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) during bilateral talks between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
The meeting was held at the Diaoyutai State Guest House as the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Bangladesh-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Dr Khalilur Rahman is visiting China from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Wang Yi, marking his first official visit to China since assuming office.
According to a joint press release issued after the meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, reaching broad consensus on several areas of cooperation.
Both countries agreed to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, deepen political trust and enhance cooperation between their development strategies.
Bangladesh reiterated its firm support for the One-China principle and reaffirmed that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, while opposing any form of “Taiwan independence”.
China reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and expressed support for the development path chosen by the people of Bangladesh.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and expand collaboration in trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, health and people-to-people exchanges.
Bangladesh highly appreciated Chinese President Xi Jinping’s initiative of building a community with a shared future for mankind and welcomed China’s global initiatives.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes.
On regional issues, Bangladesh appreciated China’s proposals for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. Both sides called for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilian infrastructure and uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding the Rohingya crisis, China said it would continue supporting Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue and consultations, and would continue supporting repatriation efforts.
Dr Khalilur Rahman also invited Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.