Dhaka, June 25th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, held discussions here today with representatives of all sectors of Bangladesh. More than 100 representatives from political parties, parliament, think tanks, universities, and media attended the event, including Shammi Ahmed, Secretary of the International Affairs of the Awami League (AL); Ghulam Muhammed Quader, Opposition Leader of Bangladesh Parliament and Chairman of Jatiya Party (JP); Abdul Awal Mintoo, Vice President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP); Rashed Khan Menon, President of Workers Party of Bangladesh (WPB); Hasanul Haque Inu, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASOD); Dilip Barua, General Secretary of CPB(ML); Shomi Kaiser, Vice President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Enayetullah Khan, President and CEO of Cosmos Group; Amb. Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI); Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives; A.S.M. Maksud Kamal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka; and Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, former Secretary (West) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh (MoFA).  

Liu stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, the two countries have always respected, trusted, and supported each other regardless of the ever-changing international landscape, creating a strong bilateral relationship and setting an example of equality, mutual benefit, and harmonious coexistence among neighboring countries. The Chinese side has consistently placed great importance on its relationship with Bangladesh as a key part of its regional diplomacy. The leaders of both countries have guided the steady advancement of bilateral relations. In 2016, President Xi Jinping made a historic state visit to Bangladesh, and together with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, elevated bilateral relations to a strategic cooperative partnership. Last August, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting in South Africa, where they exchanged in-depth views on further promoting bilateral relations and reached important consensus.  

Liu noted that both China and Bangladesh are populous developing nations and emerging economies that stay commited to independently exploring development paths that suit respective national conditions. The Golden Bengal dream, embodying the Bangladeshi people's aspiration for a strong and prosperous nation, resonates with the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. The two dreams carry the common pursuit of a better life by the peoples of both countries. China and Bangladesh are important development partners with complementarity and cooperation potential. Bangladesh was the first South Asian country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative with China. The Chinese side is willing to promote the in-depth alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with Bangladesh's "Vision 2041" and the "southern development plan," deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, provide more support for Bangladesh's sustainable and resilient development, and further enhance the sense of participation, gain, and happiness of the two peoples in the cooperation between the two countries.  

Liu said, the CPC is a window for the outside world to observe the direction of China's domestic and foreign policies. Over the years, China and Bangladesh have conducted policy dialogues through party channels, which has greatly enhanced mutual understanding, mutual trust and friendship and promoted all-round practical cooperation. The International Department of the CPC Central Committee is willing to actively engage in exchanges with Bangladeshi political parties, think tanks, social organizations and academic institutions to enhance mutual understanding and jointly build the bridge of China-Bangladesh friendship more solid, broad and durable.  

The Bangladeshi side expressed that the friendship between Bangladesh and China has a long history. China is a good friend, good neighbor, and good partner of Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi side highly appreciates the great achievements the Chinese side has made in economic and social development, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, praises and actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, and is willing to comprehensively strengthen cooperation with China in various fields to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.  

Ahmed remarked that the founding father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, visited China twice and established a deep friendship with the older generation of Chinese leaders, laying the foundation for Bangladesh-China friendship. The AL highly values its relationship with the CPC, the only political party that the AL has signed an inter-party cooperation memorandum with. Under the leadership of the CPC, China has achieved miraculous development, setting an example for developing countries. The AL hopes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC to promote greater development in relations between the two countries.  

Quader stated that Bangladesh-China relations have maintained long-term healthy and stable development. China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner and a major source of investment, playing an important role in Bangladesh's economic and social development. The economies of China and Bangladesh are highly complementary. And the Bangladeshi side should expand cooperation with China to achieve win-win results.  

Kaiser mentioned that the Chinese side's concept of "If you want to get rich, you must first build roads" left a deep impression on her. The Belt and Road Initiative helps Bangladesh improve its infrastructure, contributing to its economic development. The Belt and Road Initiative benefits the interconnectivity and development of the entire South Asian region.  

Enayetullah Khan remarked that President Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh in 2016, which elevated bilateral relations to a strategic cooperative partnership, was a milestone in the history of Bangladesh-China relations. Recently, he read "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" and found it very enlightening. The Bangladeshi dream shares similarities with the Chinese dream, and the Bangladeshi side is willing to work hand in hand with the Chinese side to realize our common dreams.  

Representatives from various sectors in the Bangladeshi side also offered suggestions on strengthening educational cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Bangladesh.  

The meeting was chaired by Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh.