Partnership elevated one step
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the Bangladesh-China partnership took a step forward, and the two countries agreed to work closely and support each other on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“Today we have elevated our Closer Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation to a Strategic Partnership for Cooperation,” she said in a joint press statement after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at her office.
“Under this strategic partnership, we have agreed to work towards socio-economic advancement of the people of our two countries,” she said, adding that her government's efforts were aimed at attaining goals of turning Bangladesh into a knowledge-based middle-income country by 2021 and eventually a developed country by 2041.
“By attaining these goals, we will realise Bangabandhu's dream of Sonar Bangladesh -- The Golden Bengal -- a Bangladesh free of hunger, poverty and deprivation.”
Describing President Xi's visit as much expected by the people of Bangladesh, the premier said she had a very fruitful discussion with the president on bilateral, regional and international issues.
“We reached consensus on cooperation in key areas, such as trade and investment, infrastructure, industry, power and energy, information and communication technology and agriculture.”
Hasina noted that Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to support One China Policy.
She said she along with the Chinese president witnessed signing of agreements and MoUs between the two countries. These instruments cover areas, including trade and investment, Blue Economy, BCIM-EC, roads and bridges, railways, power, maritime, ICT, industrial production, capacity building and skill development.
“We have unveiled plaques of six projects,” she said.
The PM mentioned that signing of deals and unveiling of plaques create a platform for the two countries to cooperate at a higher plane.
The meeting between the two leaders lasted for about an hour. Prior to the meeting, Hasina had a tête-à-tête with the Chinese president for about 10 minutes.
Senior ministers, bureaucrats and members of Xi's entourage were present during the joint press statement of the two leaders.