Chinese Fleet on Goodwill Visit to Bangladesh in a First After Fall of Hasina Govt

New Delhi: Two ships from a Chinese naval fleet arrived in Bangladesh on October 12, on a ‘goodwill visit’, the Daily Star reported. As per media reports, it is the first foreign fleet to do so after an interim government took over in Bangladesh on August 8, and the first time in four years that a Chinese naval fleet has visited Bangladesh.

The two naval ships, Qi Jiguang and Jing Gangshan, arrived at Chattogram Port on a four-day programme. During this time, events including bilateral meetings, ship open days and deck reception will be conducted “to enhance China and Bangladesh Navy's cooperation and mutual trust”, the Daily Star quoted a Chinese embassy statement as saying. Per the report, Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, welcomed the Chinese training fleet at the port.

The Chinese embassy in Dhaka said in a statement that “no matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged”. 

“China is looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh to cement our traditional friendship, deepen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas, promote high quality Belt and Road cooperation,” the statement read.

According to the Daily Star, Yao Wen and commanders of the Chinese naval fleet met Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal (commander of the Chattogram Naval Area), Rear Admiral Mohammed Moinul Hassan (Commander of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet), and Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, who is the Chairman of the port authority.

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