No storm can hold back forward march of Dhaka-Beijing relations: Ambassador Yao

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said he firmly believes that the future of Bangladesh-China relations will be ever brighter and the road of their friendly cooperation ever wider.

"The China-Bangladesh friendship serves the fundamental interests of both countries and both peoples and conforms to the trend of the times; no storm can hold back the forward march of our relations," he said while celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the reception held yesterday evening as the chief guest.

Senior political leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties, ministers, senior government officials, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, business leaders, civil society representatives, and senior journalists were present.

"Looking back fills me with deep emotion. I have served in Bangladesh for three years and nine months, and I will bid farewell to this post in a few days," said the ambassador, who is scheduled to leave Dhaka early next month.

"As I prepare to leave, my heart is filled with profound attachment and reluctance to part. Over the past three years, I have personally witnessed Bangladesh's political transformation and the historic choices this nation has made at a critical juncture," he said, noting that he holds deep admiration for the remarkable resilience and national dignity demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people.

Ambassador Yao said the people of the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, have embarked on a new path of reform and development.

"Over the past three years, I have walked through the streets and alleys of Dhaka, and what impressed me most is the optimism and drive of Bangladesh's young people," he said.

Ambassador Yao said young people are a nation's most precious treasure and the very future of the country. "I am fully confident in a bright tomorrow of Bangladesh."

Over the past three years, the envoy said, he witnessed the rapid transformation of this land.

"Wherever I went, the warm greetings and sincere smiles made me feel the heartfelt friendship of the Bangladeshi people toward the Chinese people. Over the past three years, I have also made many Bangladeshi friends; those evenings of heartfelt conversations and days of walking side by side—this friendship I will treasure forever," said the Ambassador.

"May the China-Bangladesh friendship remain evergreen forever! May both our countries enjoy prosperity and our peoples happiness and well-being!"

This year also marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The CPC has grown to be the world's largest governing party with significant global influence, said Ambassador Yao.

This year also marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, as well as the 10th anniversary of China-Bangladesh Belt and Road cooperation.

"China supports the new Bangladeshi government in exercising governance, supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, opposes external interference, and supports Bangladesh in playing a greater role in regional and international affairs," said Ambassador Yao.

This year, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid his first visit to China, during which the two countries elevated bilateral relations to a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, injecting strong impetus into the long-term development of bilateral ties. China-Bangladesh relations are now at their best in history.