Chinese Ambassador calls on Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday morning. 

The meeting focused on the Foreign Adviser's inaugural bilateral visit to China, scheduled for 20-24 January 2025.

Ambassador Yao provided an overview of the visit's agenda, highlighting key issues to be discussed between the Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser and his Chinese counterpart. He emphasized the significance of the visit, noting that the Chinese populace eagerly anticipates welcoming the Foreign Adviser. The Ambassador reaffirmed China's stance as a steadfast and enduring friend of Bangladesh, committed to supporting the nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, stability, reforms, and democratic development.

Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Ambassador Yao expressed China's continued support for the prompt repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to their homeland. Foreign Adviser Hossain underscored the importance of establishing a roadmap for this repatriation and urged China to play a proactive role in facilitating the process.

In discussing bilateral relations, Foreign Adviser Hossain reiterated Bangladesh's support for the 'One China Principle.' He expressed optimism that the upcoming visit, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, would deepen mutual understanding and advance strategic and technical cooperation. The Adviser also conveyed appreciation for the 100% Duty-Free Quota-Free market access granted to Bangladeshi products in China, expressing hope for its continuation until 2029, extending three years beyond the post-LDC period.

Ambassador Yao responded positively, announcing that, in addition to mangoes, Bangladeshi guavas and jackfruits would gain market access in China this year. In this context, Adviser Hossain sought Chinese assistance in developing high-tech, energy-efficient facilities for fruit storage and preservation in Bangladesh.

The discussion also encompassed expanding cooperation in various sectors. Adviser Hossain requested Chinese support in augmenting railway passenger coaches as part of Bangladesh Railways' capacity-building initiatives. Highlighting health sector collaboration, he proposed the establishment of a full-fledged tertiary-level Chinese hospital in Purbachal and requested the designation of top-tier hospitals in Kunming to facilitate better treatment options for Bangladeshi nationals. Ambassador Yao assured that China would take all necessary measures for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people.

Additionally, the Ambassador informed that during the upcoming visit, China is prepared to sign an implementation plan on the exchange of hydrological information, previously submitted by Bangladesh. He also mentioned that China is seriously considering lowering interest rates for Bangladesh.

Foreign Adviser Hossain expressed gratitude for China's involvement in Bangladesh's development initiatives and hoped for the swift treatment of injured students in China.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing optimism that the forthcoming visit would usher in a new chapter of cooperation between the two friendly nations.