DHAKA, Feb o5, 2023 (BSS) - Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today paid a courtesy call on Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP, at her office in the Sangsad Bhaban (parliament) complex.
 
During the meeting, they exchanged views with each other and discussed different bilateral issues, including China's long friendly ties with Bangladesh, parliamentary alliance group, development of bilateral relations, socio-economic progress of Bangladesh, expansion of business and trade, increase of investment, peaceful repatriation of Rohingyas, said a release this evening.
 
Noting that China is one of Bangladesh's development partners and China-Bangladesh bilateral relation is very strong, the Speaker said  China is always by Bangladesh's side, including infrastructural development of Bangladesh, construction of Karnaphuli Tunnel, technical assistance in the Padma Bridge construction, Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway, assistance in power-fuel sector, Sinopharm vaccine assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Referring to the visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in China in 1952 and 1957, Ambassador Yao Wen said China always supports and cooperates with Bangladesh on all issues in international forums.
 
Under the efficient leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina the economic and political stability prevails in Bangladesh, the envoy commended.
 
Dr Chaudhury called upon the new ambassador to reduce China's trade deficit with Bangladesh, increase regional cooperation and China's investment in Bangladesh's economic zones.
 
She urged the Chinese government to take a fruitful step to protect the right of the Rohingyas for their safe, dignified and peaceful repatriation to their Rakhine state homeland.
 
The Speaker said under the efficient leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the current government is working to build a developed, prosperous, smart Bangladesh by 2041.
 
The Chinese ambassador told the speaker that the Chinese government would stand by Bangladesh to achieve “Vision 2041”.
 
On parliament issues, the parliamentarians of the two countries can play a constructive role by exchanging visits and gaining experience through parliamentary alliance groups, the envoy pointed out.
 
Senior officials concerned of the Parliament and Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh were present.