South Asia

Dhaka's interest to join BRICS, Beijing assures its support

Published: 12:48, 4 June 2024

China's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, has expressed appreciation for Bangladesh's interest in joining BRICS, affirming China's active support for this endeavor.

The commitment was made during the 13th round of bilateral political consultations between Bangladesh and China, held in Beijing on June 3. Both nations agreed to collaboratively prepare for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to China next month.
The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, while Vice Minister Sun Weidong headed the Chinese side.
Discussions during the consultations centered on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic connections, boosting trade and investment, and exploring multilateral cooperation opportunities, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sun Weidong emphasized the significance of high-level exchanges and fostering people-to-people connectivity.
He highlighted China's readiness to import mangoes and other agricultural products from Bangladesh and to support the skill development of Bangladeshi youth. Additionally, China committed to expediting the repatriation process for Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh.
The Chinese vice minister also suggested that the embassies of both countries in Dhaka and Beijing collaborate to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen stressed Bangladesh's deep commitment to its relationship with China, founded on shared values, mutual respect, and common goals.
He recalled the visits of Bangladesh's founding leader, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to China in 1952 and 1957, expressing hope that his book "The New China as I Saw" would be published in Chinese before the upcoming high-profile visit.
Masud Bin Momen also underscored the significance of President Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh in 2016, which elevated the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership of Cooperation."
Furthermore, he highlighted Bangladesh's robust economic growth and requested China's support to maintain the current Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) access for Bangladeshi products in the Chinese market.