Staff Reporter:
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and conveyed greetings to him on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The meeting was held at Bangabhaban this afternoon, President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam told.
During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador invited the President to pay a state visit to China at a convenient time.
Yao Wen briefed the President on the outcomes of Prime Minister’s recent visit to China, highlight-ing progress in several areas, including laying the foundation stone of the China Economic and In-dustrial Zone (CEIZ), signing a commercial agreement to modernize Mongla Port and possible co-operation in establishing the Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
The President expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s recent China visit would further strength-en the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and China.
The Chinese ambassador expressed hope that at least 30 Chinese companies would invest around US$500 million in Bangladesh, creating employment opportunities for around one lakh people.
The two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the Teesta River Integrated Management and Restoration Project, launching a foreign minister-level strategic dialogue, and initiating “2+2” diplomacy and defence dialogue at the state minister level.
They also discussed the process of exporting Bangladeshi jackfruits, mangoes and guavas to China, cooperation in solar power and electric vehicle assembly, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar eco-nomic corridor and strengthening bilateral efforts to address the Rohingya crisis.
The ambassador recalled President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s visit to China during his tenure as LGRD Minister.
Both sides expressed their determination to elevate the existing friendly relations between Bang-ladesh and China through stronger and more multifaceted cooperation.
President’s Public Division Secretary and Military Secretary were present at the meeting.
