China and Canada have expressed their commitment to strengthening trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh while assuring continued support to address the protracted Rohingya crisis.
The assurances came during separate meetings between Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and the Foreign Ministers of China and Canada on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, according to a statement.
During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides expressed satisfaction over the trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across priority sectors.
The Chinese Foreign Minister conveyed Beijing’s full support for the ongoing reform initiatives under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, assuring cooperation in areas including medical tourism and water management.
Wang Yi also reiterated China’s keen interest in expanding investments in Bangladesh, particularly in the textile, energy, and light engineering sectors, following the recent China Investment Conference held in Dhaka.
Foreign Adviser Hossain, expressing deep appreciation for China’s political and development support, underscored the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis and sought Beijing’s continued support in this regard.
He also expressed Dhaka’s expectations of Beijing’s cooperation at regional and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations regarding the Rohingya crisis.
Later in the day, the Foreign Adviser met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, where discussions centred on expanding bilateral relations with a focus on trade diversification and building resilience in the Bangladesh-Canada partnership.
The Canadian Foreign Minister reaffirmed Ottawa’s support in addressing the longstanding Rohingya crisis and lauded Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian efforts in hosting the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md Shameem Ahsan, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Forhadul Islam, and other senior officials were present during the meetings.
The Foreign Adviser is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 32nd ARF Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to be held tomorrow, where Bangladesh is expected to highlight its commitment to regional peace, security, and sustainable development under the current interim government.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk/BSS
