Yunus, Xi discuss strategic bilateral issues, eye a new chapter in relations

Highlights: 

• CA Yunus, Chinese President Xi hold talks on bilateral and global issues
• Both leaders discuss trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, and the Rohingya crisis
• Yunus seeks China's support for Rohingyas' safe return to Myanmar
• Chief adviser emphasises deepening Bangladesh-China relations during his four-day visit

Chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Chinese President Xi Jinping today (28 March) held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues.

President Xi and CA Yunus also discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing's mutual and strategic interests.

Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations.

At the meeting, Prof Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations.

During the meeting, he expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people.

Recalling his long relations with China, the chief adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there.

During the meeting, he focused on the Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in the safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik accompanied the Chief Adviser at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen among others were part of the Chinese delegation.

In the morning, Prof Yunus arrived at the Great Hall of China amid a static guard of honour.

Meanwhile, Yao Wang, Vice-Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), a semi-governmental organization that promotes China's trade and economic relations with other countries, met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at The Presidential, Beijing, China on Friday.

Investment Dialogue with Chinese Business Leaders is now underway at The Presidential, Beijing, China.

Chief adviser will address the meeting soon. Bangladesh Television is telecasting the event live.

Prof Yunus arrived in Beijing on Thursday night to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong warmly welcomed Yunus upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport at around 10:20pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air from Qionghai Bo'ao International Airport. Kids also greeted him with flowers.

The chief adviser spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, Azad said.

CA Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened.

The chief adviser will participate in three roundtable discussions on different themes -- Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Investment, Bangladesh 2.0 Manufacturing and Market Opportunities and Social Business, Youth Entrepreneurship and the World of Three Zeros at the same venue, where he will exchange views with CEOs of various companies, experienced individuals from the Social Business Circle, high-ranking officials of renowned Chinese companies, business representatives and the young generation of Bangladeshis and Chinese.

On Saturday morning, the chief adviser will visit Peking University and receive the Honorary Doctorate.

After receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree, the chief adviser will deliver a speech to the audience.

In the afternoon, Prof Yunus will give an exclusive interview to China Media Group (CMG), a renowned Chinese media organisation, and Xinhua (likely) where various aspects of the multidimensional relations between Bangladesh and China and the future direction of Bangladesh's position on various contemporary international issues will be shared.

The chief adviser will attend a dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to China.