Bangladesh on Monday sought understanding of the government of China about the political dimension of the protracted Rohingya crisis and requested political support of China for a durable solution over the crisis.
Bangladesh also appreciated Chinese humanitarian assistance for the displaced
people of Rakhine State.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam raised the issue when newly appointed Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Zhang Zuo met him at the Foreign Ministry.
Shahriar requested support of China to respond positively to the international appeal that has been generated over the crisis, said the Foreign Ministry here.
Chinese Ambassador replied that both Myanmar and Bangladesh is friendly neighbours of China and China takes an impartial position on the issue.
He expressed happiness at the progress achieved between Bangladesh and Myanmar through bilateral engagement.
While State Minister expressed his concern at the provocative action of Myanmar on the border to destabilise the repatriation process as was agreed by bilateral instruments, Ambassador Zuo said that China is in communication with Myanmar and persuading them to act sincerely for repatriation of the displaced people of Rakhine State.
It was Ambassador’s first official meeting at political level after presentation of his credential to President of Bangladesh held on March 7.
Ambassador Zhang Zuo recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s milestone visit to Bangladesh in October 2016 when bilateral relationship was elevated to “Strategic Partnership of Cooperation” and consensus was reached to expand bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas.
He expressed his commitment to work with the government of Bangladesh to promote bilateral relations to a greater height through implementation of the decisions reached through consensus between two leaders of China and Bangladesh during President of China Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh.
Shahriar underlined the importance of close bilateral engagement between China and Bangladesh on political front along with the economic partnership between the two countries.
State Minister appreciated China’s deep interest in and continued support for the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh.
He sought intervention of Chinese Ambassador for speedy implementation of infrastructure projects financed by China, especially he mentioned about two projects: Padma Bridge Rail Link and Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) Area Project.
The State Minister expressed optimism that development cooperation between Bangladesh and China will be driven by China’s Belt and Road and Initiative.
He recalled that Bangladesh is a founding member of China initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
