China and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade, investment, and humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh, while pledging continued support to resolve the protracted Rohingya crisis.

The assurances came during separate meetings held on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur . Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, according to an official statement.

In talks with China, both nations expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral relations and reiterated their intention to strengthen cooperation in key sectors. Minister Wang Yi conveyed China’s full support for the reform initiatives led by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, pledging assistance in areas such as medical tourism and water resource management.

China also reiterated strong interest in expanding investments in Bangladesh, particularly in the textile, energy, and light engineering sectors. This follows the momentum generated by the recent China Investment Conference in Dhaka.

Foreign Adviser Hossain expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing political and development support, while emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya refugee crisis. He called for Beijing’s continued engagement at regional and global platforms, including the United Nations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Foreign Minister of Canada Anita Anand met on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur . Photo: Collected

In a separate meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand underscored Ottawa’s intention to diversify bilateral trade and enhance resilience in the Bangladesh–Canada partnership. She praised Bangladesh’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in hosting over a million displaced Rohingya and reiterated Canada’s steadfast support for a durable solution to the crisis.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md Shameem Ahsan, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Forhadul Islam, and other senior officials were present during both meetings.

Foreign Adviser Hossain is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 32nd ARF Ministerial Meeting, set to convene tomorrow. Bangladesh is expected to highlight its ongoing commitment to regional peace, security, and sustainable development under the current interim administration.

 

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