Asian countries should work together to face Russian-Ukraine war fallout

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (August 7, 2022) said that South Asia, Southeast Asia and China could work together for economic progress by facing challenges caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.

Referring to the Russia-Ukraine war, western sanctions and counter-sanctions, she said, "People (across the world) are enduring difficult times… South Asia, Southeast Asia and China can work together for economic progress."

The prime minister made the remarks when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a courtesy call on her at her official Gono Bhaban residence.

During the meeting, the Chinese foreign minister said his country would support issues involving Bangladesh at the international forums and continue cooperation for Bangladesh's development as a strategic partner.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed media after the meeting.

Recalling the China visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1952 and 1957, Hasina said Bangabandhu was a great admirer of the founder of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong. This was elaborated in Bangabandhu's book "Amar Dekha Naya Chin" (New China as I Saw It).

The prime minister thanked the Chinese president for giving a video message marking the celebration of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence and birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Wang Yi conveyed Chinese president Xi Jinping's greetings to the Bangladesh prime minister as well.

The Chinese president also thanked Sheikh Hasina for sending a message marking 100 years of the Communist Party of China.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, PM's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming, among others, were present.