Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China is ready to further expand its flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation with Bangladesh during his meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, Xi expressed support for Bangladesh’s newly formed government and its efforts to ensure smooth governance after the February elections, which followed a period of political uncertainty. He also stated that China is willing to work closely with Bangladesh to promote “high-quality” Belt and Road cooperation.

Xi added that both countries should jointly identify priority areas of collaboration and explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as green and low-carbon development, the digital economy, information technology, artificial intelligence, and other advanced industries, as reported by Xinhua.

Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is China’s major global infrastructure and development strategy aimed at improving connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe through investments in ports, railways, highways, and energy projects. The initiative draws inspiration from the ancient Silk Road and focuses on enhancing trade and economic integration.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also shared on X that both leaders announced plans to establish a “China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era,” marking an upgrade in bilateral relations. Mao added that Xi reiterated China’s strong importance on its relationship with Bangladesh and its commitment to a policy of friendship and good-neighbourly ties with the Bangladeshi people. “Regardless of global changes, China will remain committed to strengthening friendship with Bangladesh and will continue to serve as a reliable friend, neighbour, and partner,” Mao quoted Xi as saying.

Xi also reaffirmed China’s support for Bangladesh in maintaining its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, while opposing any external interference, according to the statement. Tarique Rahman is on a four-day official visit to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This visit marks the second stop of his first overseas tour after taking office, following an earlier visit to Malaysia.