Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain left Dhaka for China today (Jan 20) on his first bilateral official visit, aiming to deepen Dhaka-Beijing relations.
The five-day trip will focus on key issues, including reducing loan interest rates, enhancing hydrological data exchange, strengthening medical cooperation, and increasing China’s role in addressing the Myanmar situation.
Invited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the visit is seen as a significant diplomatic step since the interim government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, took office in August last year. Foreign policy experts view it as a crucial move toward bolstering ties with Beijing.
Hossain is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Dhaka, Yao Wen, indicated that Beijing is prepared to sign an implementation plan for hydrological information exchange, responding to a previous request from Dhaka.
Discussions on China's potential role in Bangladesh's crucial Teesta River project are also expected to feature prominently during the visit.
The adviser's decision to prioritize China for his first bilateral visit marks a significant shift from previous governments, where foreign ministers often opted for India as their initial destination due to geographical and political considerations.
Beyond official talks with the Chinese foreign minister, the adviser is scheduled to meet with Chinese Communist Party leaders and deliver speeches at the China Institute of International Studies and the Shanghai Institute of International Studies, apart from engaging with business representatives in Shanghai to attract Chinese investments in Bangladesh, according to foreign ministry officials.
On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador Yao briefed the foreign adviser on key issues for the visit.
The envoy reaffirmed China's respect for Bangladesh's sovereignty and territorial integrity, reiterating support for the country's stability, reforms, democratic transition, and development initiatives.
BDST: 1028 HRS, JAN 20, 2025
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