Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen Calls on State Minister Humayun Kabir
Outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Yao Wen paid a farewell call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Humayun Kabir at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, September 20, upon the completion of his tenure. During the meeting, State Minister Mr. Kabir commended Ambassador Mr. Yao’s active role in advancing bilateral relations, noting that the visibility of Chinese diplomatic engagement in Bangladesh grew noticeably during his stay. He particularly highlighted Yao’s key contributions to the recent successful visit of Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman to China, while ties were officially elevated to a ‘China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era’ during his term.
Both sides discussed key bilateral projects and future diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation mechanisms. Ministry sources indicated that a state minister-level 2+2 dialogue covering diplomacy and defense is set to be established. Discussions focused heavily on expanding cooperation in areas such as the comprehensive restoration of the Teesta River, the Padma Barrage, the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, and the China-Bangladesh Economic and Industrial Zone. Earlier in the month, Ambassador Mr. Yao also held meetings with defense officials to enhance military technology exchanges and political leaders to reinforce friendly bilateral partnerships.
Reflecting on his time in Dhaka, Ambassador Mr. Yao stated, ‘Serving in Bangladesh for nearly four years was a great honor and a memorable chapter in my diplomatic career’. He congratulated Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister on being elected President of the UN General Assembly, calling it a proud moment for Bangladesh. Reaffirming Beijing’s unwavering backing, Mr. Yao added, ‘China’s support for Bangladesh’s development journey will continue uninterrupted’. He also shared that the Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee plans to visit Bangladesh later this year, noting the minister’s father previously served as Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh.
Before this call, Foreign Secretary Mr. Asad Alam Siam hosted a farewell luncheon on September 18 at State Guest House Padma, urging the swift implementation of key joint initiatives. State Minister Mr. Humayun Kabir expressed optimism regarding the future trajectory of bilateral ties, saying, ‘I am confident that Bangladesh-China relations will grow even stronger and broader in the days ahead’. He extended his best wishes to Ambassador Mr. Yao for his upcoming assignment, while the outgoing ambassador expressed deep gratitude for the warm hospitality and cooperation extended by the government and people of Bangladesh.
