Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said China is ready to join hands with the international community, including member states of the IORA, to contribute to global development, shoulder the responsibilities for unity and progress, and create a better future for the world. He stressed that in face of various risks and challenges, President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, offering Chinese solutions and Chinese wisdom to world peace and development. Read more: IORA ministers meet Thursday, Momen for making the best use of sea Ambassador Li attended the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers meeting held in Dhaka on Thursday. This meeting, under the theme of "Harnessing the Opportunities of the Indian Ocean Sustainably for Inclusive Development", discussed the cooperation in COVID-19 response and economic recovery, trade and investment, the blue economy, climate change, disaster mitigation and pollution prevention and marine security, and reached broad consensus on further deepening cooperation within the IORA and building a prosperous and stable Indian Ocean. The IORA's Chair Bangladesh, 23 member states, including the United Arab Emirates, India, Australia, South Africa, and France, as well as ten dialogue partners such as China, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea attended the meeting. Ambassador Li  participated in and addressed the meeting on behalf of China. He said that as an important economic cooperation organization in the region, the IORA has been committed to strengthening capacity building and promoting solidarity and cooperation among member states and contributing to the lasting stability and sustainable development of the region. Read more: Even after over 2 decades, IORA market not fully explored by member states: Momen As a dialogue partner country, China has always attached importance to the status and role of the IORA, actively participated in various IORA activities and continuously deepened the practical cooperation with the IORA and its member states, he said.  

The United States has recognised the remarkable contributions that Bangladesh has made to global development.  "As we work together toward a safe and secure region and a healthy and prosperous future, we recognise the remarkable contributions Bangladesh has made to global development," said US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken in a statement on Bangladesh National Day. On behalf of the Government of the United States, he warmly congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the momentous occasion of your 50th National Day and Golden Jubilee. "The United States and Bangladesh both undertook courageous struggles for independence. Over the last 50 years, we have cooperated on issues ranging from economic development to peacekeeping, and we have fostered strong people-to-people ties," said the US Secretary of State.   Also read:  US Secretary of State Pompeo greets Bangladeshis As a result, he said, the friendship between Bangladesh and the US has grown ever stronger.   "Today, our people are partnering to promote human rights, address climate change, and combat the COVID-19 pandemic," he said. Also read: Dhaka rejects US Secretary of State Pompeo's ‘baseless’ remarks Blinken said just as in the earliest days of their relationship, they appreciate a shared commitment to democratic values and the prosperity and welfare of our people, who are joined in their aspirations to create a better world for our children over the next 50 years.   "I wish all Bangladeshis a joyous celebration of your milestone Golden Jubilee," he said.