United News of Bangladesh

Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Ambassador Lee Jeongkyu w on Thursday reaffirmed his country's support for Bangladesh's interim government and its reform efforts. He extended South Korea's support to Bangladesh during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He expressed satisfaction with the robust trade, investment, and economic ties between the two countries, highlighting that 150 Korean companies are operating in Bangladesh, with more seeking investment opportunities in key sectors. South Korean special envoy to pay “goodwill” visit to Bangladesh Jan 22-23 The Foreign Secretary informed the Special Envoy about Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives following the July-August revolution to promote transparency and accountability. The Foreign Secretary also mentioned the active role of the interim government in creating a conducive environment for organising the election to ensure a smooth transition of power. He emphasised Bangladesh’s interest in attracting Korean investment in agriculture, high-tech RMG, smart city development and electronics. Jashim Uddin stressed the importance of enhanced business-to-business and Chamber-to-Chamber engagements and urged swift progress on the Economic Partnership Agreement to strengthen bilateral trade and investment. The Special Envoy praised the Bangladeshi workers for their contribution and hard work. The Foreign Secretary praised ROK’s Employment Permit System (EPS). He also acknowledged ROK’s transformation into a developed nation, describing it as an inspiration for Bangladesh’s own development aspirations. Dr Yunus urges Meta to intensify efforts against misinformation, fake news He also praised ROK’s global soft power, including the cultural influence of K-Pop and K-Dramas, which continue to win hearts worldwide, including in Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary also thanked ROK, being supportive to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue, with the Special Envoy reaffirming Korea’s support. The meeting concluded with a commitment to advancing high-level engagements to deepen Bangladesh-ROK relations.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperation in various sectors. “No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged,” he said. Ambassador Yao welcomed the formation of the interim government, and congratulated Prof Yunus on assuming the position of Chief Adviser during a courtesy call on him at Jamuna on Sunday. He stressed China’s support for the interim government to build a poverty-free, democratic, and prosperous Bangladesh. Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladeshi people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. Read more: Interim government keen to work closely with China: Foreign Affairs Adviser  The ambassador said that China and Bangladesh are traditionally friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, and cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. The envoy said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs. He said that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. “China is committed to working with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the ‘China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges’ in 2025,” said the ambassador. Read more: China welcomes the new interim government in Bangladesh: Spokesperson China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height, he said. Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a ceasefire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of the displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar.