China and Bangladesh Elevate Relations to Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: On Wednesday, China and Bangladesh announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. This milestone was declared during a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
President Xi highlighted the deep historical ties between China and Bangladesh, noting that their friendly exchanges date back over a thousand years. He emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, the two countries have consistently demonstrated mutual respect and support, treated each other on an equal footing, and engaged in win-win cooperation. This, he remarked, has set a positive example of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries, particularly within the Global South.
Xi expressed China’s readiness to use the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to deepen high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He called for expanded and intensified cooperation across various fields to ensure the sound and steady development of the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Xi also emphasized the importance of carrying forward the tradition of mutual support and deepening political mutual trust between the two nations.
China, Xi said, supports Bangladesh in adhering to an independent foreign policy and pursuing development paths that align with its national conditions, while safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and opposing any external interference. He noted that China is prepared to share experiences in party and state governance, align development strategies, and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and interconnectivity.
Furthermore, Xi announced that China encourages more Chinese businesses to strengthen industrial investment cooperation with Bangladesh, promote the development of industrial and supply chains, and assist Bangladesh in its national development. He also urged both countries to make concerted efforts for the Year of People-to-People Exchanges next year to boost cooperation in culture, tourism, media, and sports.
Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh on international and regional affairs, enhancing coordination and cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, upholding the common values of humanity, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Prime Minister Hasina expressed hope that Bangladesh could learn from China’s successful development experience and expand bilateral cooperation in trade, economy, infrastructure, and poverty reduction. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening youth and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Hasina highlighted the significant impact of the BRI on economic development and improving people’s livelihoods in the region. She reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to actively participating in BRI cooperation and welcomed China’s involvement in the integrated development program in southern Bangladesh. She also sought China’s support in achieving Bangladesh’s “Vision 2041,” which aims to attain high-income status by 2041.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s adherence to the one-China principle, its support for China’s position on the Taiwan issue, and its opposition to external interference in China’s internal affairs. She expressed confidence that the Bangladesh-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership would witness greater development.
Prime Minister Hasina’s three-day visit to China, which concluded on Wednesday, marked her first visit to China since her new term began in January and her first visit in five years.
