Praising Bangladesh’s ‘Bangladesh First’ policy, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said any attempt to undermine cooperation between China and Bangladesh, or with any South Asian country, is doomed to fail.

“Our cooperation is not targeting any third party, and should not be affected by any foreign forces,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question after his separate meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed.

The Ambassador said Dhaka and Beijing have been engaged in long-standing discussions over the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, expressing the hope that work on the long-awaited initiative will begin soon.

“That is also one of my expectations. We could work on it. We will continue to work on it,” he said when a reporter wanted to know whether he is hopeful that the project will commence soon.

The Chinese Ambassador described the recently held election as smooth and orderly and found it as the victory of democracy.

He said the high-level visits between the two countries would continue.

Ambassador Yao said as a friendly neighbor and a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner of Bangladesh, China attaches great importance to deepening relations with Bangladesh, and supports the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in exercising smooth governance.

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He said China supports Bangladesh in maintaining solidarity and stability, and in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

“China also appreciates Bangladesh in pursuing its ‘Bangladesh First’ policy. China stands ready to carry forward cooperation in all sectors with the new government of Bangladesh and jointly write new chapters in the bilateral relationship,” said the Ambassador.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur said China is a trust-worthy friend and reliable partner for Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh will continue to pursue a friendly policy toward China, enhance its friendship with China, and look forward to further deepening practical cooperation with China for the greater benefit of both peoples.

During his meeting with the State Minister, the two sides agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Bangladesh and China have always supported each other, treated each other as equals and pursued win-win cooperation.

In the new stage of development, the Ambassador said they stand ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and work together to bring the practical cooperation between China and Bangladesh in various fields to a new level.