Diplomatic Correspondent: Envoys of China, India and Pakistan paid calls on Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday. The envoys congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a decisive victory in the general elections which they termed as one of the most free and fair elections in the country’s history. They also felicitated Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his assumption of the office of the Foreign Minister.

The Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen conveyed China’s firm support for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s “Bangladesh First” policy. He said that the Chinese Premier’s intends to work closely with Bangladesh Prime Minsiter to further deepen bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister Dr. Rahman underscored the importance of advancing the Bangladesh–China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. He also called for enhanced Chinese engagement with all relevant stakeholders for early repatriation of the Rohingyas. Ambassador Wen conveyed an invitation from the Chinese Foreign Minister for Dr. Rahman to undertake an official visit to China at a mutually convenient time.

Pakistani High Commissioner Imran Haider conveyed his Government’s keen interest in working closely with the new Government of Bangladesh to further strengthen and broaden bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman expressed the intent of the Government to explore new avenues of collaboration for the welfare of the peoples of both countries. He also underscored the Bangladesh’s priority of strengthening regional cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of all countries of the South Asian region.

High Commissioner Pranay Verma of India expressed his Government’s readiness to work closely with the new Government of Bangladesh to further advance bilateral cooperation. The Foreign Minister indicated Bangladesh’s intent to build a forward looking and balanced partnership based on mutual interest for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. Both sides agreed to maintain regular and constructive engagement to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Ambassador Verma extended to Dr. Rahman an invitation from Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to undertake an official visit to New Delhi at an early date.

The Three envoys also met the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Shama Obaed Islam.