Chinese Naval Fleet Begins Goodwill Visit to Bangladesh

H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, along with commanders from the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan, met with senior Bangladeshi naval leaders to bolster cooperation and reaffirm strategic ties.

The delegation held talks with Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, Commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, Rear Admiral Md Moinul Hassan, Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet, and Rear Admiral S.M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority. Discussions centered on deepening China-Bangladesh friendship and enhancing defense and security cooperation. Both sides expressed strong confidence in the future of bilateral relations and pledged to strengthen maritime collaboration.

Ambassador Yao Wen emphasized the resilience of China-Bangladesh relations, stating that China remains committed to its strategic partnership with Bangladesh, regardless of domestic developments. He highlighted the importance of cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Earlier the same day, the Chinese naval fleet Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan arrived at Chittagong Port, marking the first visit of a foreign naval fleet since Bangladesh's interim government was formed. The event was celebrated with a welcoming ceremony attended by Ambassador Yao Wen, diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, representatives of Chinese enterprises, the Confucius Institute, and members of the overseas Chinese community.

In a festive atmosphere, attendees waved Chinese and Bangladeshi flags, expressing enthusiasm for the Chinese Navy and wishing long-lasting friendship between the two nations.

Four-Day Visit to Boost Maritime Cooperation

The Chinese fleet will remain at Chittagong Port for four days, engaging in various activities, including bilateral meetings, open ship tours, and a deck reception. These events aim to foster deeper cooperation between the two navies and strengthen mutual trust.

This goodwill visit, the first by a Chinese naval fleet in four years, underscores the growing importance of maritime cooperation in building a community with a shared future.