Bangladesh’s Yunus seeks stronger ties with ‘good friend’ China

Dhaka: Expressing optimism about a “new chapter” in Dhaka-Beijing relations, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, upon his return on Saturday from a four-day visit to China, highlighted the importance of China as a “good friend” and stated that its achievements continue to inspire people across Bangladesh. He also expressed his expectation that Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with China will grow stronger in the coming days.
In clear signs of Dhaka moving closer to Beijing in the days ahead, Yunus said, “It’s very important that we see China as our good friend. Our relationship has been very strong over the years. Our business is very strong and we benefit from our collaboration with China.”
Dhaka and Beijing have described Yunus’s visit as a “milestone” and a “hugely successful” one. “Bangladesh benefits from its cooperation with China. We can create not only a fast-developing economy, but a new kind of economy where everybody participates,” Yunus saud in an interview with Xinhua. “We can take it to the next stage where our collaboration is not limited to the economy only. It will (also) be cultural,” he said.
After his China visit, Yunus is scheduled to visit Thailand to take part in the

BIMSTEC summit

. He has sought a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi but India is yet to confirm it. In his talks with Xi, Yunus urged China to play a greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations.
A joint statement issued after the Xi-Yunus talks said Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP).