China backs Bangladesh's sovereignty as top diplomats meet in Beijing

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China extended its support on Tuesday to Bangladesh's national sovereignty and independence, as foreign ministers of the two countries met in Beijing, according to a readout from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The meeting came during Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain’s first bilateral foreign trip since his appointment last August after the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted following a mass public uprising against her 15-year rule.

“China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and national dignity, exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, respects the choice of the Bangladeshi people, and is willing to continue to provide assistance for Bangladesh's economic and social development,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Hossain.

He emphasized China's "good-neighborly policy" toward "all Bangladeshi people” to continue the development of a “China-Bangladesh strategic partnership.”

Touhid said Dhaka is “committed to deepening cooperation with China in the fields of politics, economy and trade, infrastructure, medical care, water conservancy, human resources development, and other fields.”

More than 700 people were killed during the student-led uprising that led to the formation of a transitional government, following the ouster of Hasina, who fled to India on Aug. 5.