China wants to consolidate relations with Bangladesh

China's Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang has spoken of strengthening ties with Bangladesh ahead of President Xi Jinping expected visit on Oct 14.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 28 Sept 2016, 06:02 PM
Updated : 28 Sept 2016, 06:02 PM

On the 67th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, he also said on Wednesday China stood “firmly” by Bangladesh to fight terrorism which is a “common threat” of the two countries.
 
There is no official announcement of the Chinese President’s visit, but relevant officials at the foreign ministry told bdnews24.com he would make a short visit before his travel to India for BRICS summit on Oct 15.
 
Dhaka is preparing at least 25 projects worth over $20 billion for Chinese support during the visit.
 
Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal praised China’s growth while speaking at the reception, and said “our relation is very warm and based on mutual understanding”.
 
“China is supporting us on our way forward,” he said, adding that “China would be number one economy in the world by 2030 and they will also be looking after neighbours very closely.”
 
The ambassador hosted the reception at the embassy where senior politicians of ruling Awami League and major opposition BNP attended, among others.
 
Senior politicians Awami League General Secretary and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam were present.
 
Senior BNP leaders including Abdul Moyeen Khan and Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain also joined the reception..
 
The ambassador said China remained committed to Dhaka as a “trusted development partner” as Bangladesh aimed at becoming a middle-income country by 2021.
 
“We two people are of same mind. And I see the shared desire for a better future,” he said.
 
“China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to enhance the bilateral relations and consolidate the time-tested relations further."
 
He said the two countries enjoy “mutual understanding and mutual trust with strong support from the two people".