Bangladesh Strengthens Strategic Ties with China

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, resulting in 21 signed agreements and seven new projects. The countries aim to elevate their strategic partnership, and China promises multifaceted financial support, involvement in the Rohingya issue, and enhanced bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Wednesday. Their meetings culminated in the signing of 21 agreements and the initiation of seven new projects aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Among the new initiatives are the 'Conclusion of Joint Feasibility Study on China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement' and 'Commencement of Negotiation on the Optimisation of China-Bangladesh Bilateral Investment Treaty.' The leaders pledged to elevate their strategic partnership to a 'comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,' according to Bangladesh's state-run news agency, BSS.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported that China is keen on using the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year to deepen the 'Belt and Road' projects. President Xi assured Hasina of China's support by offering grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and commercial loans. During the meetings, Xi also promised to address the Rohingya crisis by engaging with Myanmar's government.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud stated that a technical committee from both countries will convene to determine the specifics of the financial aid. The discussions also touched upon multiple areas including economic cooperation, digital economy, infrastructure development, disaster management, and more. The agreements were signed in the presence of Hasina and Li following detailed delegation-level talks.