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Bangladesh welcomes Chinese companies to join in implementing the stalled Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) as the two countries strike numerous cooperation accords capping summit talks.
A joint statement issued after the bilateral meeting between the two countries in Beijing on Friday rolled out the outcomes of the talks, including nine instruments of cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh Dr Muhammad Yunus led their respective sides at the meeting.
"Both sides reconfirmed equal commitment to nurturing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership with utmost importance," the communiqué reads.
The two sides agree that since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Bangladesh 50 years ago, relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and stable development regardless of changes in the international and regional landscapes.
The two sides agree to hold fast to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, carry forward their traditional friendship, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, keep moving forward in the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and deliver greater benefits to the two countries and their peoples.
Mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns reaffirmed.
The host side asserts that China consistently adheres to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, respects Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, respects the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, and supports Bangladesh in exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.
The two sides reaffirm mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.
Beijing mentions that China has always followed a policy of good neighbourliness and friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, and supports the Interim Government of Bangladesh in effectively exercising governance, preserving unity and stability in Bangladesh, and leading Bangladesh onto a path of development and prosperity.
The two sides stress that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge.
Bangladesh reiterates its firm commitment to the One-China principle and its position that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory.
Bangladesh opposes "Taiwan independence."
Bangladesh supports China on issues pertaining to China's core interests and China's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two sides agree to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains and work together to achieve modernization in both countries.
Bangladesh expresses appreciation for the longstanding and robust support China has been providing for economic and social development in Bangladesh, and speaks highly of the economic and social impact produced by China-Bangladesh cooperation projects of bridges, roads, railways, networks, power grids and sewage treatment.
China will continue to support Bangladesh in improving infrastructure and advancing industrialisation, and encourage Chinese companies to conduct investment cooperation with Bangladesh in such fields as textiles and garments, clean energy, digital economy, agriculture and manufacturing in accordance with commercial principles and market-based approaches.
Bangladesh welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram.
The two sides underscore the importance of initiating negotiations on China-Bangladesh Free-Trade Agreement at an early date and officially start negotiations on optimizing the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement.
The two sides agree to realize the early export of high-quality products of Bangladesh to China, including fresh mangoes and other agricultural and aquatic produce, as soon as possible.
China welcomes Bangladesh to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo, China-South Asia Expo, and China International Supply Chain Expo to expand cooperation with China.
Bangladesh reaffirms its readiness to create a favourable investment environment for Chinese companies.
The two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in such areas as hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, integrated management of water resources, water resources development and related technology sharing.
The two sides speak positively of the signing of the Implementation Plan of the MoU on Exchange of Hydrological Information of the Yarlung Zanbo-Jamuna River.
The Bangladeshi side welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).
The two sides agree to make concerted efforts to tackle climate change and tap the potential for blue-economy cooperation. Also they agree to strengthen exchanges on maritime affairs and hold a new round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation at an appropriate time.
The two sides agree to jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.
They agree to deepen exchanges and cooperation on culture, tourism, media, education, healthcare and youth, and between local governments and think-tanks, to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Bangladesh expresses appreciation for the convenience provided by China for Bangladeshi patients to seek medical treatment in Yunnan Province.
Also commended is the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative.
Bangladesh also takes note of the importance of the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.
The two sides agree to strengthen international cooperation, promote unity and self-reliance among the Global South and jointly address global challenges.
The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, the practice of true multilateralism and greater democracy in international relations. The two sides will jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.
Both sides agree to keep strengthening coordination within the U.N. and other multilateral mechanisms and jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and uphold international fairness and justice.
Bangladesh appreciates China's constructive role in promoting peace talks on Myanmar and in promoting the resolution of the issue concerning the forcibly displaced Rohingya people from the Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh.
China commends Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance for the displaced people, and supports Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding, among others, a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations. China will continue to provide support for the repatriation "to the best of its capabilities".
During the visit, the two sides signed the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two Governments and other cooperation documents on development, translation and publication of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange and media, sports and health sector.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for the warm hospitality extended to him and the Bangladeshi delegation, and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, the readout says.
President Xi was very positive about the issues raised by the Bangladesh side, said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the CA.
Capping the talks, Bangladesh and China Friday signed one agreement on economic and technical cooperation and eight MoUs on translation and production of classics, exchanges and cooperation on cultural heritage, news exchange, media, sports and health sectors.
Additionally, five announcements were made on the launch of formal negotiations on investment, the announcement of the commencement of the China Industrial Economic Zone, the signing of a commercial agreement for the modernisation and expansion of Mongla port, the building of a robotic physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and the donation of a cardiac surgery vehicle.
Another report adds: China and Bangladesh have decided to elevate their relations to a new height after a historic bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, discussed issues of mutual interest, with President Xi reiterating China's full support for the Chief Adviser and the reform agenda of the Interim Government, officials said.
Bestowing a rare honour on the Bangladesh leader, President Xi came out from his office to greet the Nobel laureate as he arrived at the Great Hall, accompanied by two advisers.
Later, the two leaders led their respective sides in a bilateral meeting, marked by warmth and candour. It was the first bilateral visit by the Chief Adviser to a foreign country.
Describing Bangladesh as an important neighbour of China, President Xi offered to share Beijing's development experiences and boost cooperation with Bangladesh to help it grow fast.
The Chinese President said China would continue to grant zero-tariff facilities to Bangladeshi goods and extend the status until the end of 2028 - two years after Bangladesh's scheduled graduation from a least-developed- country status.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com