As a friend of Bangladesh, China will help resolve the Rohingya issue without being biased, said visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday.
He also stressed the importance of continued consultations and dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the issue.
The Chinese Foreign Minister, now on an official visit to Bangladesh, made the remarks when the issue of exodus of displaced Myanmar nationals was raised during a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. Wang Yi acknowledged that Bangladesh bears the brunt of non-stop influx of Rohingya people into Bangladesh and said as a friend of Bangladesh and Myanmar, China wants the problem to be solved peacefully.
He also promised continued humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali said Bangladesh remains engaged bilaterally with Myanmar for the solution to the problem and will look forward to China’s support for the early return of the Rohingyas to their homeland with dignity and safety.
Major issues of bilateral and regional interests were discussed at the meeting, said Mahmood Ali.
During the discussion, the Chinese Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the progress of decisions taken and the agreements signed during the visit of President Xi Jinping to Bangladesh in October last year.
He also conveyed China’s commitment to continue to extend financial assistance to Bangladesh for its socio-economic development.
Wang Yi emphasized the need for connectivity for peace and prosperity in the region.
Regarding bilateral trade between China and Bangladesh, the Chinese Foreign Minister assured that China will take measures to reduce the trade deficit.
Earlier in Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman said Wang Yi is in Bangladesh to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual concerns during his two visits.
On the Rakhine state issue, he said China continues encouraging dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar to find a solution to the problem through friendly consultations.
Both the Foreign Ministers had a lengthy meeting that began at 1 pm at state guesthouse ‘Meghna’ in the city.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ma Mingqaing attended the meeting.
Wang Yi’s Dhaka visit comes hard on the heel of China’s opposition to a UN resolution on Thursday for ending the military operations by Myanmar that led to “the systematic violation and abuse of human rights” against the country’s Rohingya community.
Some 620,000 Rohingya entered Bangladesh fleeing persecution in Rakhine state of Myanmar since August 25.
The Chinese Foreign Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka on Sunday for Myanmar capital.
Wang Yi will join the 13th foreign ministers’ meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on November 20 and 21.
