Bangladesh has sought China's involvement in the much-discussed Teesta river- management project during high-level talks with Chinese officials in Beijing where both sides pledged to deepen strategic and economic cooperation amid shifting regional dynamics.
The request was made during the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh foreign minister Khalilur Rahman and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in the Chinese capital, according to a joint press release issued after the meeting on Thursday night.
In the statement, Bangladesh says it sought "the involvement and support of China" in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, a proposed large-scale initiative aimed at river restoration, flood control, irrigation and regional development in northern Bangladesh.
The project, centered on the Teesta River basin, has long carried geopolitical significance because of the river's connection with neighbouring India and the broader strategic competition for infrastructure influence in South Asia.
The two sides say they agreed to strengthen cooperation under China's Belt and Road Initiative across sectors that include trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources and healthcare.
Bangladesh expresses appreciation for what is described as China's longstanding support for its development efforts.
The talks took place against the backdrop of expanding engagement between Dhaka and Beijing under the government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with both countries reaffirming support for what they describe as a "Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership".
Bangladesh reiterates its support for the One-China principle, stating that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China's territory" and opposing any form of Taiwanese independence.
China, in turn, reaffirms support for Bangladesh's sovereignty and its independently chosen development path.
The joint statement also reflects growing diplomatic coordination between the two countries on wider international issues. Both sides voice support for multilateralism and call for "an equal and orderly multipolar world" alongside a more inclusive form of globalisation.
On the Middle East, Dhaka and Beijing call for an "immediate and comprehensive ceasefire" and back diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring regional stability and maintaining secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The two countries also discussed the Rohingya crisis, with China pledging continued support for dialogue between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the repatriation of forcibly displaced people from Myanmar's Rakhine state, long sheltering in Bangladesh.
Rahman thanks the Chinese government for hosting his delegation and invites Wang Yi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
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