Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has formally requested continued support from China for national infrastructure development, highlighting the proposed China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital as a key priority.
The appeal was made during a courtesy meeting with Liu Haixing, Minister of International Affairs of the Communist Party of China. The officials met at the State Diaoyutai Guest House in Beijing on Thursday morning.
During the discussions, Liu Haixing congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office and reflected on the historical ties between the two nations. Liu Haixing noted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had visited China nine times, adding that a photograph from the 2001 tour of Begum Khaleda Zia remains preserved in the Museum of the Communist Party of China as a mark of respect.
The talks also touched upon the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Communist Party of China. Liu Haixing expressed a strong interest in expanding dialogue and collaboration between the two political parties. Liu Haixing suggested that new avenues of cooperation could be established in the future, particularly in areas involving the media, academic think-tanks, cultural exchanges, and initiatives aimed at improving general living standards.
Reaffirming the diplomatic stance of Beijing, Liu Haixing stated that China remains a steadfast supporter of the sovereignty, national security, and economic development of Bangladesh. Liu Haixing emphasised the importance of advancing bilateral relations founded on mutual respect and shared interests.
In response, Tarique Rahman outlined the focus of the current administration on infrastructural progress and expressed optimism regarding Chinese investment in domestic projects. Tarique Rahman specifically pointed to the construction of the China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital as a central initiative, expressing hope that the longstanding partnership between Dhaka and Beijing would continue to yield tangible benefits.
Liu Haixing concurred with the vision of Tarique Rahman, expressing confidence that the citizens of Bangladesh would see improved living standards under the new leadership.
The high-level meeting was attended by a broad delegation of senior officials. Among those present from Bangladesh were Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit. They were joined by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, and Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon.
Representing the Chinese side alongside Liu Haixing were Vice Minister Sun Haiyan, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and other diplomatic staff.
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