Dhaka, Jan 15 (V7N)- Bangladesh's relations with the United States, China, and India will remain balanced, irrespective of changes in the US administration, said Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain. He made these remarks during a briefing at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday (January 15), ahead of his upcoming visit to China.

Upcoming Visit to China

Touhid Hossain is scheduled to visit China on January 20 at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister. During the visit, key issues such as the economy, trade, and investment will dominate the Dhaka-Beijing bilateral discussions.

The Advisor mentioned that Bangladesh will request China to lower interest rates on loans and extend the repayment period to 30 years, aiming to ease the financial burden on ongoing and future projects.

Teesta River Project

China's involvement in the implementation of the Teesta River Project will also be on the agenda. While the previous government was unable to finalize a decision, the current administration plans to revisit the matter during the upcoming discussions. "We will decide based on our national interests," said Hossain, underlining the project's strategic importance.

Renewal of River Management Agreement

Additionally, Bangladesh is set to renew its existing agreement with China on river management. The renewal is expected to bolster collaboration in managing the country’s extensive river systems, which are critical to agriculture, flood control, and overall water resource management.

Maintaining Balanced Diplomatic Relations

Touhid Hossain reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining balanced relations with global powers like the US, China, and India. He stressed that the government’s foreign policy prioritizes the country’s economic and strategic interests while fostering cooperation with all major nations.

Conclusion

The upcoming visit to China reflects Bangladesh's focus on strengthening economic ties and addressing critical infrastructure projects like the Teesta River Project. At the same time, the government continues to emphasize a balanced approach to diplomacy, ensuring robust relations with major global players.

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