Bangladesh seeks China’s support for the Teesta project

Bangladesh today formally sought China’s support and participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

The matter was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing, according to a joint press release issued after the talks.

Dr. Rahman is visiting China from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of Wang Yi, marking his first official trip to the country since taking office.

During the meeting, the two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest, reaching broad consensus and reiterating their firm support for each other’s core interests and major concerns.

Both countries agreed to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, sustain high-level exchanges, deepen political trust and strengthen alignment between their development strategies to advance the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle, stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory and opposing all forms of “Taiwan independence.”

China, meanwhile, reiterated its support for Bangladesh in protecting its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while backing the development path chosen independently by the Bangladeshi people.

The two sides also agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and expand collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges.

Bangladesh highly appreciated Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and welcomed China’s major global initiatives.

The two countries further reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, multilateralism, democratic international relations and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

On regional issues, Bangladesh praised China’s proposals aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. Both sides called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, protection of civilian infrastructure, restoration of peace and security, and ensuring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, China said it would continue supporting Bangladesh and Myanmar in seeking a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of forcibly displaced people from Rakhine State through dialogue and consultation, while also assisting repatriation efforts to the best of its ability.

Dr. Rahman invited Wang Yi to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.