Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali yesterday said Bangladesh-China relations are multidimensional encompassing the areas of cooperation in diverse fields, and pledged to continue work in the coming years to deepen the ties.
“Recent years have witnessed a remarkable progress in our relationship, and we pledge to continue our work in the coming years,” he said while addressing a function in the city.
The foreign minister also hoped that China would continue its support to Bangladesh, specifically in terms of economic cooperation, to help reach Bangladesh’s development targets.
Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre (BCFC), Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) jointly organised the event marking the celebrations of 40th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Ma Mingqiang, BSA Director General Liakat Ali Lucky and leaders of the BCFC also spoke on the occasion.
Speaking as the chief guest, Mahmood Ali said Bangladesh supports and appreciates China’s renewed emphasis on regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are engaged with China, India, Myanmar and other neighbours for more regional and sub-regional integration through processes like the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor [BCIM-EC] as well as in Saarc and Bimstec,” he said.
The foreign minister also said China’s new initiatives to reach its southern neighbours, especially through augmenting connectivity and development would provide much dividend in near future through mutual economic gains.
He said the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China is a landmark event. “This is an occasion to celebrate and at the same time renew our commitment to work relentlessly for further consolidating our relations as agreed by our leadership.”
Asaduzzaman Noor said the relations between the two countries are deep-rooted which witnessed a new chapter in recent times.
He said the cultural cooperation between the two countries would get stronger in the coming days.
Chinese envoy Ma Mingqiang said China’s friendship and cooperation with Bangladesh flourished since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in all areas, including trade, investment, security, cultural, education and people to people connectivity.
On Silk Road, he said this 21st century Silk Road means connectivity within the country and among the countries featuring mutual partnership, mutual benefit and common development with increased flow of trade and closer cooperation and generating more beneficial for people.
Later, the Chinese artistes performed at a grand art and cultural show – Charm of Silk Road.
