China PM Li Qiang hails Tarique’s inauguration, promises to elevate ties with Bangladesh

China and Bangladesh can take their integrated strategic partnership to a new level, Li Qiang says

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka said Li described China and Bangladesh as longstanding neighbours and partners.

He noted that over the 51 years since establishing diplomatic ties, the countries have nurtured relations based on “mutual respect, equality, mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results”, setting “a fine example of exchanges between countries”.

Li expressed support for the smooth functioning of Tarique’s government and his expectations to work closely with the new prime minister.

Li wrote: “By advancing the traditional friendship, strengthening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expanding exchanges across various sectors, it will be possible to elevate the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new level. This will bring even greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.”

Tarique was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon as Bangladesh’s 11th prime minister, marking the BNP’s return to power after two decades and the rise of a new generation of political leadership after three decades.