Dhaka: Bangladesh and China on Wednesday engaged in discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics aimed at advancing comprehensive cooperative partnerships. The discussions were part of an effort to jointly build a China-Bangladesh Community with a shared future.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting addressed key issues such as Rohingya repatriation, transport corridors, investment, energy, and economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, along with Foreign Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir, held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila.

In addition to the discussions with China, the Bangladeshi delegation had an impromptu meeting with Berris Ekinci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trkiye. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meetings, where they discussed the growing fraternal partnership between Bangladesh and Trkiye.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman arrived in Manila from New York on Tuesday afternoon, prepared for the series of diplomatic engagements. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also visiting Manila from July 19-23 to participate in various ASEAN meetings, including the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference and the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

The US Secretary of State is set to meet with senior government officials from Indo-Pacific countries during his visit. According to the US Department of State, Secretary Rubio’s visit emphasizes the US priority of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, ensuring safety, security, and prosperity for the region and the American people. His visit aims to showcase the tangible results of the U.S.-ASEAN partnership and to deepen the United States’ comprehensive partnership with the Philippines.