Dhaka, Beijing ready to launch diplomacy and defence dialogue

Bangladesh and China have agreed to advance bilateral cooperation across key areas including water resource management, defense, and economic development. During a meeting in Dhaka on Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen discussed plans to launch a new diplomacy and defense dialogue as well as accelerate joint initiatives such as the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.

The meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka underscored the strong relationship between the two countries. Humaiun Kobir described China as a trusted friend and strategic partner, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the one-China policy. He highlighted the positive momentum from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to Beijing and the goal of elevating bilateral ties to a "Bangladesh-China community with a shared future based on partnership."

Ambassador Yao Wen congratulated Humaiun Kobir on his appointment and expressed optimism about deepening cooperation. He also conveyed congratulatory messages from senior Chinese officials, including China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister. Yao Wen updated the state minister on progress from the prime minister’s visit, including the groundbreaking of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), a commercial agreement to modernize Mongla Port, and discussions on developing the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).

The CEIZ is projected to draw about 30 Chinese companies with investments totaling around US$500 million, potentially creating jobs for 100,000 Bangladeshis. The two sides also discussed early convening of a strategic dialogue at the foreign minister level and initiating a state minister-level diplomacy and defense dialogue.

Other topics included potential exports of jackfruit and guava from Bangladesh to China, cooperation through the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and regional concerns such as the Rohingya crisis. Ambassador Yao Wen outlined planned high-level visits, including those by the vice-chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), and the executive vice-governor of Yunnan Province. Yao Wen also invited Humaiun Kobir to visit China in October 2024.

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