China to pay $2bn in grants, loans: PM Hasina

During her meeting with the Chinese President on July 10, Xi Jinping mentioned four areas of assistance in grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans and commercial loans, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has revealed.

"Under these four packages, China has agreed to pay the equivalent of $2 billion to Bangladesh," she told a press conference on her recent trip to China at the Ganobhaban in Dhaka on Saturday.

"My visit will be marked as a significant part of Bangladesh‍‍`s diplomatic activities," UNB quoted as her saying.

The premier emphasised that enhanced communication and cooperation in research, education, ICT, technology, and culture would strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, aiding in the realisation of the Sonar Bangla and a modern, smart Bangladesh, as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. The prime minister highlighted Bangladesh‍‍`s adherence to Bangabandhu‍‍`s foreign policy principle of "friendship to all, malice to none", which has guided the nation in its bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts.

"I believe that Bangladesh and China will continue to advance development through mutual assistance, considering global realities like climate change, the Palestine crisis, human rights, sustainable development, and the United Nations," she said.

The premier underscored the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and China, which extends beyond economic cooperation to traditional ties as Asian countries.

Addressing the issue of the forcibly displaced Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina sought China‍‍`s cooperation in resolving the crisis. She noted that the Chinese president thanked Bangladesh for its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and reiterated China‍‍`s commitment to supporting their repatriation.

"President Xi reiterated his commitment to support the repatriation of the Rohingya," she added.

Sheikh Hasina also expressed optimism that Bangladesh and China would continue to support each other at regional and international levels.

Through fruitful discussions with the Chinese president, the relationship between Bangladesh and China has been elevated to the level of Integrated Strategic Cooperative Partnership, PM Hasina said.