Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday assured Bangladesh that China will play its due role in efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis, including through engagement with the Myanmar government, Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said.
The assurance came during bilateral talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the Rohingya issue a prominent topic of discussion.
Speaking at a press conference at the Diaoyutai State Guest House, Humaiun said Prime Minister Tarique raised the Rohingya crisis as one of Bangladesh's foremost security concerns.
"Prime Minister Tarique Rahman raised the issue of the Rohingya crisis during the bilateral meeting with the Chinese Premier. The Rohingya crisis is one of Bangladesh's top security concerns. We have to resolve the crisis," he said.
The adviser said the Prime Minister emphasised China's role in helping address the issue and stressed the need for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
"We need bilateral cooperation alongside multilateral efforts to resolve this issue, and the Premier of the People's Republic of China gave a very positive gesture to Prime Minister Tarique that they will always be on the side of positive cooperation and will assist in that matter also in talking to the government in Myanmar and will also play their due role in this crisis,” he said.
Humaiun said the Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity while pursuing a firm diplomatic approach to resolving security challenges.
"His government will maintain a strong foreign policy and security position on the issue through diplomacy and dialogue," the adviser said.
He also said the Chinese Premier welcomed Bangladesh's application to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
During the meeting, Li Qiang expressed support for Bangladesh's development efforts and discussed expanding cooperation between the two countries, the adviser added.
He said Tarique Rahman's vision for foreign policy, regional cooperation, regional stability and shared economic prosperity aligns with China's regional vision and its outlook on international cooperation.
Humaiun said both leaders agreed that the latest engagements will usher in a new chapter in Bangladesh-China relations and help build a comprehensive strategic partnership covering trade, investment, education, culture and cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
He said the signing of 13 MoUs reflected the commitment of both sides to strengthening bilateral ties and demonstrated the positive momentum generated by the visit.
The adviser said within 48 hours of the Prime Minister's arrival in China, engagement between the leaderships of the two countries had already gained further momentum.
Among other outcomes, he said Premier Li Qiang responded positively to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposal for establishing a Bangladesh-China Friendship Hospital.
Summing up the visit, Humaiun said it will not only be remembered as a historic one but also pave the way for a more dynamic and comprehensive relationship between Bangladesh and China based on mutual respect.
He said the Prime Minister's participation in the World Economic Forum meeting and his bilateral engagements in Beijing reflected growing international attention to Bangladesh's role in regional cooperation, diplomacy and economic development.
The adviser said the visit reinforced Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening cooperation and promoting stability and prosperity across South and Southeast Asia.