Hong Kong, 26 June 2024:

Ms. Israt Ara, Consul General of Bangladesh paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Cui Jianchun, the new Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong SAR at the latter’s’ office on 25 June 2024. Mr. Jianchuan who was the immediate past Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait before assumption of his recent duties, highlighted the Chinese policies in the present international context. He explained how mutual partnership between China and Bangladesh in different sectors including trade and commerce, culture, technology and innovation, people-to-people contact, etc. would benefit both the countries. Referring to the upcoming visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China, he expressed hope that the visit would contribute to the more strengthened relations benefitting the peoples of both the countries.

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Congratulating the new Commissioner, the Consul General conveyed that Bangladesh attaches high importance to its relations with China. Recalling the two visits of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to China in 1952 and 1957, she informed him of the visits of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China and Hon’ble President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Bangladesh which had consolidated the bond of friendship between the two countries. She viewed that the upcoming VVIP visit to China would add fillip to the existing bilateral relations and would open new avenues of cooperation. She further briefed the Commissioner about the recent socio-economic development of Bangladesh achieved under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister. Later, she proposed for celebration of the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China next year in Hong Kong which Mr. Jianchun happily agreed.

During the meeting, the Consul General also raised the issue of safe and voluntary repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh to their homeland and sought China’s continued support in this regard.  

The Consul General also shed light on the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Hong Kong SAR based on shared values, common aspirations for economic and social progress. She also conveyed that Bangladesh firmly adheres to “One Country, Two Systems” policy of China. She also briefed the Commissioner that after a decade long negotiation, the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement was finally signed with Hong Kong recently and also shared the latest status of some agreements/MoUs. In order to promote partnership, she also sought continued support and cooperation from the Hong Kong side in exchanging business delegations, inclusion of Bangladesh in the Talent Scheme, cooperation in education and culture sector. The new Commissioner highly appreciated the efforts of Ms. Ara for the development of closer partnership between Bangladesh and Hong Kong SAR and assured her of his cooperation.

At the end, the Consul General presented a copy of the book ‘Unfinished Memoires’ and some Bangladeshi mangoes to the Commissioner.