No Storm Can Derail Bangladesh-China Ties: Chinese Ambassador

No storm can halt the progress of Bangladesh-China relations, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said. He said the friendship between the two countries is aligned with the fundamental interests of their governments and peoples and is in keeping with the trend of the times. The future of bilateral relations will be even brighter, while the path of friendly cooperation will continue to expand.

Ambassador Yao Wen made the remarks at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan attended the event as the chief guest. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other officials concerned were also present.
Welcoming the guests at the anniversary celebration, the ambassador began by highlighting China’s progress. Speaking about China-Bangladesh relations, he said this year marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 10th anniversary of China-Bangladesh cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

China supports Bangladesh’s new government in running the country, the ambassador said. He added that China stands by Bangladesh in protecting its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and opposes external interference. China also supports Bangladesh playing a more important role in regional and international affairs.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited China for the first time this year. Through the visit, the two countries elevated their bilateral relations to a partnership for a shared future between China and Bangladesh in a new era, giving strong momentum to the long-term development of bilateral ties. Currently, China-Bangladesh relations are at their highest level in history, he said.

Recalling his tenure in Bangladesh, Yao Wen said, “Looking back, I feel deeply emotional. I have completed three years and nine months of my tenure in Bangladesh. In just a few days, I will bid farewell to this position. As I prepare to leave Bangladesh, my heart is filled with a deep sense of attachment and the pain of separation.”
Saying that he had closely witnessed Bangladesh’s political transformation over the past three years and the historic decisions taken by the country at a crucial turning point, he said Bangladesh had embarked on a new path of reform and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He expressed his deep respect for the extraordinary resilience and sense of national dignity demonstrated by the people of Bangladesh during this important period.

Sharing his experience of travelling through the streets and alleys of Dhaka, the Chinese ambassador said what impressed him most was the optimism of Bangladesh’s young people and their determination to move forward. Young people are a country’s most valuable asset and its future, he said, adding that he is highly optimistic about Bangladesh’s bright future.

Yao Wen also said he had witnessed Bangladesh’s transformation during his tenure. “Over the past three years, I have also witnessed the rapid changes taking place in this country. Wherever I have gone, I have felt the heartfelt friendship of the Bangladeshi people towards the Chinese people through their warm receptions and sincere smiles,” he said.

The outgoing ambassador also spoke about the personal relationships he developed during his tenure in Bangladesh. He said he had formed friendships with many people in the country. The evenings they spent together, heartfelt conversations and the days they travelled side by side are memories he will cherish throughout his life.
Ambassador Yao Wen said, “I firmly believe that the future of China-Bangladesh relations will be even brighter and that the path of friendly cooperation will continue to expand. May the friendship between China and Bangladesh remain evergreen. May both countries prosper, and may the peoples of both countries enjoy happiness, peace and well-being.”