Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic ties with China have reached new heights following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said at a briefing on Saturday.
He noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally engaged with the Prime Minister during the visit, highlighting the closeness of bilateral relations.
During the visit, Bangladesh and China signed eight agreements and three memoranda of understanding, including a pact to establish a special Export Processing Zone (EPZ) for Chinese investment at Mongla Port and Anwara in Chattogram.
Both sides also agreed to explore the feasibility of Chinese participation in the Teesta River project.
Khalilur Rahman said that Beijing has proposed a China-Bangladesh-Myanmar corridor for direct communication from Kunming to Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh has not taken any decision on this matter yet.
In addition, he mentioned that the Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia also saw great success in the 'Bangladesh Fast Policy'.
He said that the video released by the Malaysian government proves how deep the relationship between Tarique Rahman and the Malaysian Prime Minister has become.
The Foreign Minister said that during the Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia, two notes of verbale were signed on terrorism prevention and investment. In addition, it was agreed that the two countries will work to conclude a free trade agreement by 2027.
Malaysia is home to 200,000 Rohingya. Dr. Khalilur Rahman also mentioned that the two countries will work together on the policy issues of Rohingya repatriation.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
