Diplomatic Correspondent :
China has reiterated its steadfast commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh despite shifts in both international and domestic scenarios, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said on Wednesday.
He told the media after holding a meeting with Foreign Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh Md Touhid Hossain at the latter’s office.
The Chinese Ambassador said, “As a close neighbour and friend of Bangladesh, no matter how the international situation and domestic situation of Bangladesh change, China will, as always, attach high importance to its relations with Bangladesh.”
He further said, “China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation and further advance our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
Regarding bilateral relation between the two countries, Yao Wen said, “China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people.”
“Our friendship and cooperation is oriented towards all Bangladeshi people, benefiting all Bangladeshi people, and supported by all Bangladeshi people,” he further added.
The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views on current situations of Bangladesh and developing Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership?of?China?and?Bangladesh, promoting exchanges and cooperation in various areas.
They also had discussed the regional and international issues of common interest, including the Rohingya issue.
Besides, Chinese side talked about the joint celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh next year.
Meanwhile, in another meeting with Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, the Acting Head of the European Union Mission, Bernard Spanier, has stated that the EU’s friendship with the interim government will remain intact.
“The European Union will stand by Bangladesh during this crisis period. If the absconding leaders seek political asylum, the member countries will decide,” he told the remarks to journalists after a courtesy meeting with Adviser Md. Tauhid Hossain.
In a separate meeting with the foreign adviser, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for the new interim administration led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
She came up with the statement while having a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the interim government of Bangladesh Md Touhid Hossain at the latter’s ministry on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Cooke praised the interim government’s efforts to restore stability and democracy in Bangladesh. She highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh as it navigates a challenging period and works towards a more inclusive and democratic future.
“As a longstanding partner and friend of Bangladesh, the UK welcomes the appointment of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus,” Cooke said.
“We have been deeply saddened by the violence and all loss of life in recent weeks. We recognise the bravery of the students and many others who through peaceful protest called for a different future for Bangladesh,” she also noted.
Emphasising the importance of the UK-Bangladesh relationship, which has been built on deep people-to-people connections, she said, “The interim government has the UK’s support as it works to restore peace and order, ensure accountability and chart a peaceful pathway to an inclusive, prosperous and democratic future for the people of Bangladesh.”
