In a commendation of Bangladesh’s interest in joining BRICS, China’s active support has been acknowledged by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, San Wei Dong. During the 13th round of bilateral political consultations held in Beijing on June 3, both parties agreed to focus on collaborative efforts ahead of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming visit to China next month.

The Bangladeshi delegation, led by the Secretary of State, Masud Bin Momen, and the Chinese delegation, led by San Wei Dong, participated in the discussions. The Bangladeshi team included appointed Ambassador to China, Jashim Uddin, and additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anwar Hossen, among other diplomats from the Bangladesh Embassy in China.

On the Chinese side, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present. According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting emphasized enhancing bilateral relations, boosting economic ties, promoting trade and investment, and exploring opportunities for collaboration on multilateral platforms.

Vice Minister San Wei Dong is known for his extensive experience in high-level exchanges and people-to-people communication. He highlighted the importance of strengthening ties based on shared values, mutual respect, and aspirations. He also expressed China’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in importing agricultural products, including mangoes, and enhancing the skills of Bangladeshi youth. Additionally, China assured swift repatriation of Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh.

Wei Dong emphasized that the diplomatic missions in Dhaka and Beijing can work together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries. He recalled Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visits to China in 1952 and 1957 and expressed hope that the book “My Unseen China” would be published in Chinese before the upcoming Vice President’s visit to Bangladesh.

Regarding economic cooperation, Masud Bin Momen discussed Bangladesh’s current economic situation and requested China’s support in simplifying the existing duty-free, quota-free (DFQF) access framework for Bangladeshi products.

Masud addressing climate change challenges and other global cooperation, expressed hope for China’s unwavering support in ensuring the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland.

Vice Minister Wei Dong extended a warm welcome to the Bangladeshi delegation and expressed deep sympathy for the recent devastation caused by Cyclone “Rimal.”

He congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election through the national elections on January 7 and expressed hope that under her capable leadership, the Bengali nation would fulfill the dream of a “Golden Bengal.”

Since 2010, the Prime Minister’s visits to China and last year’s BRICS Summit have strengthened ties between the two countries. Both sides have agreed to hold the next round of bilateral political consultations in Dhaka next year.

The Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude to China for its assistance in mega projects and infrastructure development. The collaboration between the two diplomatic missions remains pivotal in fostering global cooperation.