China to always stay by BD in needs
XI tells Hasina during talks
Friday, 25 August 2023
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 24 (UNB): China will always stay beside Bangladesh in its needs that included supporting it in joining the BRICS and ensuring permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday evening gave the assurance in a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Hotel Hilton Sandton here on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.
The Chinese president also gave assurance of cooperation in making Bangladesh a developed, prosperous Sonar Bangla and taking initiative to quicken the signing of the Preferential-free Trade Agreement with Bangladesh and reducing the imbalance in China-Bangladesh trade.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed reporters after the bilateral talks between the two leaders.
During the meeting, he said, both the leaders invited one another to visit their respective countries at their convenient time and they have agreed to this respect.
"I will always support you (Sheikh Hasina) as you can join the BRICS," Momen quoted the Chinese president as saying l.
Regarding the Rohingya issue, Xi wants to resolve the Rohingya issue through tripartite engagement of China, Bangladesh and Myanmar and assured that they will always support Bangladesh to this end.
"China will help Bangladesh in bringing a permanent solution to the Rohingya issue. ---we don't want instability in the region," he was quoted as saying by the foreign minister.
Bangladesh prime minister said that her government wants to repatriate Rohingyas to their homeland citing that they are becoming threats for peace of the region as many of them are engaged in illegal drugs and arms trading.
"Peace is imperative for development," she said.
Xi also expressed his country's keenness to help Bangladesh in the development of energy, renewable energy and infrastructure.
"China will help you materialise your dream to build a developed and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' at the quickest possible time."
Hasina also sought the Chinese president's help in quick implementation of some Chinese funded projects which are now being stuck for fund crisis while the Chinese leader is assured of looking into the matters.