Dhaka, 12 March 2018,

Newly appointed Ambassador of China to Bangladesh Zhang Zuo paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam at Foreign Ministry today. It was Ambassador’s first official meeting at political level after presentation of his credential to President of Bangladesh held on 7 March 2018.

Ambassador Zhang Zuo recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping's milestone visit to Bangladesh in October 2016 when bilateral relationship was elevated to "Strategic Partnership of Cooperation" and consensus was reached to expand bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas. Ambassador expressed his commitment to work with the Government of Bangladesh to promote bilateral relations to a greater height through implementation of the decisions reached through consensus between two leaders of China and Bangladesh during President of China Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh. Shahriar Alam underlined the importance of close bilateral engagement between China and Bangladesh on political front along with the economic partnership between the two countries. State Minister appreciated China's deep interest in and continued support for the socio-economic progress of Bangladesh. State Minister sought intervention of Chinese Ambassador for speedy implementation of infrastructure projects financed by China, especially he mentioned about two projects: Padma Bridge Rail Link and Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) Area Project. State Minister expressed optimism that development cooperation between Bangladesh and China will be driven by China’s Belt and Road and Initiative. State Minister recalled that Bangladesh is a founding member of China initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

While appreciating Chinese humanitarian assistance for the displaced people of Rakhine State, State Minister sought understanding of the Government of China the political dimension of the protracted crisis and requested political support of China for a durable solution of the crisis. He further requested support of China to respond positively to the international appeal that has been generated over the crisis. Chinese Ambassador replied that both Myanmar and Bangladesh is friendly neighbour of China and China takes an impartial position on the issue. He expressed happiness at the progress achieved between Bangladesh and Myanmar through bilateral engagement. While State Minister expressed his concern at the provocative action of Myanmar on the border to destabilise the repatriation process as was agreed by bilateral instruments, Ambassador Zuo said that China is in communication with Myanmar and persuading them to act sincerely for repatriation of the displaced people of Rakhine State.