Dhaka, Beijing must cooperate to resolve Rohingya crisis: Foreign adviser
The adviser also stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for return of the Rohingyas
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has stressed the importance of cooperation between Bangladesh and China to address the Rohingya crisis.
"Both Bangladesh and China have vital interests in resolution of the conflict, and we must cooperate wholeheartedly in bringing about the resolution" he said while speaking at a seminar in the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) this morning (23 January).
The seminar titled "Our Shared Vision for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity" reflected on the common vision of Bangladesh and China for a secure and better world.
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In order to realise the shared vision, Touhid underscored the need for working towards strengthening multilateral institutions, expanding investments, deepening people to people exchange and championing global trade system.
The adviser also stressed on creating a congenial atmosphere in Rakhine State for return of the Rohingyas.
In his keynote address, the adviser outlined a forward-looking vision for global peace, emphasising the significant role of economic cooperation as a cornerstone for sustainable development and stability.
He highlighted the deep historical ties between Bangladesh and China, which dated back to ancient times and the evolution of relationship into a dynamic partnership through different mechanisms including the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI).
He underscored the transformative role of China's development assistances and investments in Bangladesh's various sectors which have significantly contributed to the country's socio-economic development.
He also drew attention to the importance of narrowing trade gaps and fostering regional connectivity to promote equitable growth.
Reflecting on global challenges, Touhid Hossain noted that peace and security are collective responsibilities that demand inclusive economic frameworks and greater emphasis on empowering underrepresented groups, particularly the youth and women.
He highlighted Bangladesh's successful social initiatives, such as microcredit programmes, pioneered by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh interim government, which have empowered rural women and fostered social harmony, and called for similar transformative efforts to uplift the youth.
Foreign Adviser Touhid also exchanged views with a delegation from the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce last evening.
During the discussion, they focused on relocation of Chinese manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, particularly to the Chinese SEZ in Chattogram, establishing air connectivity between Chattogram and Shanghai, and exchange and collaboration between the two chambers.
