China a trusted friend and strategic partner, President tells Chinese minister at Bangabhaban
Photo: Collected
Describing China as a trusted friend and important strategic partner of Bangladesh, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He made the call when Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), paid a courtesy call on him today.
The President’s press secretary, Md Sarwar Alam, told BSS this.
Highlighting the signing of the framework agreement for the Mongla Port modernisation and expansion project and the laying of the foundation stone of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), the President said, ‘These initiatives will make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s communication system, industrialisation and economic development.’
He welcomed President Xi Jinping’s proposal to expand multidimensional connectivity, including the proposed corridor linking Kunming and Chattogram and the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor.
The President also conveyed his thanks and greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and invited him to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.
The President stressed investment by Chinese companies in Bangladesh, especially in sectors that help technology transfer, job creation and export diversification.
The Chinese minister then assured continued cooperation in various areas, including green energy, education and cultural exchange.
The President thanked China for its support in financing and building the 1,000-bed Bangladesh-China Friendship General Hospital. He also expressed hope that China would continue its active role in the safe repatriation of the Rohingya.
The Chinese minister assured that China’s cooperation in this regard would continue.
The President also thanked China for its continued cooperation during the ongoing energy crisis.
Recalling with deep gratitude Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s visits to China in 1977 and 1980, the President said those historic visits had laid the foundation of the two countries’ bilateral relations.
Liu Haixing said the foundation of Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with China was laid during the time of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The relationship was later further strengthened during the time of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.
The Chinese minister expressed hope that under the leadership of the current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh’s relations with China would become even stronger and broader.
Referring to his own most recent visit to China, the President said his meetings with the Chinese Vice-President and the visiting minister had been fruitful and had helped strengthen mutual relations.
Mentioning Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China last June, the President said the visit would play an important role in taking the relations between the two countries to new heights.
The President described the Prime Minister’s exchange of views with China’s top leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and the signing of various cooperation documents, including memorandums of understanding, during the visit as positive progress in developing bilateral relations.
During the meeting, the President wished Liu Haixing continued success and good health.
Earlier, when Minister Liu Haixing arrived at Bangabhaban, the President received him and welcomed him with flowers. At this time, he introduced his secretaries to the Chinese international minister.
The delegation also included Liu Yuyin, chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, and Peng Xiubin, director general of the Bureau of South-East and South Asian Affairs of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and the ministry’s Secretary (Coordination) Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury were present on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After the courtesy call, the President showed the Chinese international minister and other members of the delegation around Bangabhaban.
At this time, a video was shown of the Chinese minister’s father, former ambassador Liu Shuqing, presenting his credentials to the then President, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, while serving in Bangladesh in 1980. Photographs of the President’s visit to China when he was LGRD minister were also displayed.
The President’s military secretary, public division secretary and press secretary were present at this time.
Background
According to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), a concessional loan agreement worth $335.78 million was signed with the Export-Import Bank of China in October to build two container terminals with modern equipment at Mongla Port — Container News reported this on 14 October.
A Maritime Gateway report says the revised project, worth Tk 4,068.23 crore, was approved in February 2025; the Mongla Port Authority is due to complete the work by December 2028.
At a glance
According to a Prothom Alo report on 2 August, the China Economic and Industrial Zone is being developed on 783 acres of land in Anwara, Chattogram; it is expected to attract $1.3 billion in investment and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Sources
Original report: BSS
Background sources: Container News, 14 October 2026; Maritime Gateway, October 2026; Prothom Alo, 2 August 2026
