Staff Reporter:
Prime Minister’s Adviser and spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin on Friday said Bangladesh’s recent visits to Malaysia and China placed the highest priority on safeguarding national sovereignty, promoting national interests, attracting investment, expanding trade, creating employment and strengthening long-term development cooperation.
Briefing reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following the Prime Minister’s return, Mahdi said the visits further consolidated Bangladesh’s standing in the international arena and elevated relations with both countries to new heights.
He said the Prime Minister’s brief overseas tour comprised three key segments. During the first leg in Malaysia, the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with the Malaysian King and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on issues of mutual interest.
In the second phase, the Prime Minister attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Dalian, China, where he interacted with international investors, the forum’s president and chief executive officer, and other delegates.
The final leg of the visit included meetings in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other senior Chinese leaders.
Mahdi Amin said the warm reception, state honours and red-carpet welcome accorded to the Prime Minister throughout the tour reflected not only personal recognition but also respect for the people and the state of Bangladesh.
He said discussions during the meetings covered a wide range of issues, including investment, trade, employment, education, health, culture, media, technology and people-to-people exchanges, while both Malaysia and China expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in Bangladesh’s development journey.
Referring to ties with China, the spokesperson said bilateral relations entered a new phase of long-term strategic partnership encompassing development, trade, investment, employment and cooperation on international issues.
He added that President Xi had expressed interest in working closely with Bangladesh’s elected government and assured continued support for the country.
On Malaysia’s labour market, Mahdi Amin said positive discussions had taken place on giving Bangladesh priority once Malaysia completes its internal policy processes and reopens its labour market.
Responding to a question on a possible regional corridor, he said Bangladesh would positively consider any initiative that promotes trade, industrialisation and access to Southeast Asian markets, although the matter remains at the planning and feasibility assessment stage.
Mahdi Amin also said the Prime Minister had instructed party leaders and activists not to organise processions or rallies to welcome him on his return, describing the decision as a reflection of a new political culture and responsible leadership.
