Chief Adviser’s China visit is message for others: Foreign Secy

Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin said, “Choosing China as the first bilateral visit of the Chief Adviser is a message for others.”

He said, “Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during this China visit. Among them are human resource development, economic and technical assistance, military cooperation, culture and sports, media, economic zones and the health sector. In addition, the issue of Rohingya repatriation and the Teesta project will be discussed.”

The foreign secretary made the revelations while addressing a curtain-raiser media briefing at the foreign ministry here on Tuesday (March 25), where he outlined the Chief Adviser’s forthcoming visits to China and Thailand.

Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said, “Discussions on military cooperation with China will take place. We consider China an important friend, and China views us similarly.”

He further mentioned that Dr. Yunus’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would not be agenda-driven but noted that the Teesta issue might come up under the river management framework.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh would seek China’s perspective on Myanmar during the visit.

In response to another query, Jashim Uddin highlighted increased cooperation with China in the health sector.

“Four specialized hospitals have been set up in Kunming for Bangladeshis. China also plans to establish a specialized hospital in Bangladesh,” he added.

Chief Adviser Professor Yunus is scheduled to leave for China tomorrow (March 26) to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Conference in Hainan Province.