Bangladesh seeks Chinese involvement in Teesta River management

Bangladesh has sought China's involvement and support in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman paid his first visit to China from 5 to 7 May at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

In a joint press release, the two sides said they held in-depth discussions on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest, reached broad consensus and reaffirmed their firm commitment to supporting each other's core interests and addressing major concerns.

The two sides agreed to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust and synergy between development strategies, and continue advancing the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

China reiterated its support for Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed its respect for the development path independently chosen by the people of Bangladesh, suited to the country's own national conditions.

Bangladesh highly appreciated the four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The two sides called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, supported all diplomatic efforts conducive to restoring peace, ensuring the security of non-military targets and maintaining normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

They also expressed readiness to maintain communication on addressing the Middle East situation and play constructive roles.

China said it would continue supporting Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue concerning the forcibly displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar who have taken shelter in Bangladesh through dialogue and consultations.

China also said it would continue providing support for repatriation to the best of its capabilities.

Both sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including economy and trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, health and people-to-people contact.

Bangladesh expressed appreciation for China's longstanding support for its development.

Both sides emphasised that the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond any question or challenge.

Bangladesh reiterated its firm adherence to the One-China Principle and reaffirmed its position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

Bangladesh resolutely opposed any form of "Taiwan independence" and firmly supported the Chinese government in achieving national reunification.

Bangladesh congratulated China on achieving a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

China expressed support for Bangladesh's new government in advancing its political agenda.

Bangladesh highly commended the initiative of building a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by President Xi and welcomed China's major global initiatives.