The proposed dialogues signal a new phase in Bangladesh-China strategic engagement
DHAKA, August 30, 2026: Bangladesh and China are preparing to deepen their strategic partnership through the early launch of a Foreign Minister-level Strategic Dialogue and a State Minister-level Diplomacy and Defense Dialogue, reflecting renewed momentum in bilateral relations.
The issues were discussed when Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
During the meeting, State Minister Kobir described China as a trusted friend and valued strategic partner of Bangladesh and reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to the One-China Principle.
He also expressed satisfaction with the renewed momentum in Bangladesh-China relations and the elevation of bilateral ties to a “China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future” following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China.
Ambassador Yao Wen congratulated Kobir on assuming office and sought his support in further strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries. He also conveyed felicitations from China’s Executive Deputy Foreign Minister.
The Chinese envoy briefed the State Minister on key outcomes of the Prime Minister’s China visit, including the groundbreaking of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), the signing of a commercial contract for the modernization of Mongla Port and potential cooperation to establish a Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
The CEIZ is expected to attract around 30 Chinese companies with investments of approximately US$500 million and create an estimated 100,000 jobs for Bangladeshis.
The two sides also discussed cooperation on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration, Bangladesh’s proposed exports of jackfruit and guava to China, the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor and cooperation on the Rohingya issue.
Ambassador Yao also briefed Kobir on upcoming high-level exchanges, including planned visits to Bangladesh by senior officials from China’s International Development Cooperation Agency, the International Department of the Communist Party of China and Yunnan Province.
He invited State Minister Kobir to visit China in October this year.
