China and Bangladesh reached an agreement on Sunday to deepen their cooperation and military exchange.
The pledge comes after a meeting between Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid. Chang also met with Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Hug, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed, and Chief of Air Staff Marshal Abu Esrar.
The Chinese defense minister said in a statement that both nations should boost their bilateral cooperation in culture, some sectors of politics, as well as economy and trade. China and Bangladesh established diplomatic ties in 1975.
Chang said that the development of military ties between the two countries has maintained a good momentum and it will continue to improve in the coming months and years. The Chinese military wants to work with the Bangladesh military to implement the accord reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The boosting of military ties will also strengthen the strategic exchange and support between the two countries, increase personnel training and cooperation when it comes to equipment technology, and promote military exchanges between young military officials.
The Bangladesh military also released a statement regarding the latest agreement noting that China is a trustworthy and strategic partner. The military leaders of Bangladesh said that both nations have developed high-level political trust as well as fruitful economic and trade cooperation.
The Bangladeshi military expressed willingness to take part in joint efforts with China regarding personnel training, military medical care, peacekeeping, and military equipment.
China and Bangladesh are set to work together to promote the “Belt and Road” initiative. As part of the “Belt and Road” initiative, scholarships will be awarded to students from the nations that are involved in the project to study in China.
Bangladesh is one of the nations that support China’s position on the South China Sea dispute. Bangladeshi officials have said that the dispute should be settled via a direct negotiation amongst the parties involved.
