The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping will steer a ‘historic new journey’ towards opening up a ‘new horizon’ in relations between the two countries, said Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. “This visit reflects our friendship. It’ll help begin a historic new journey through opening up a new horizon in the two countries’ economic relations,” he said yesterday afternoon. The foreign minister said Bangladesh and China will sign over 25 MoUs and deals which are expected to usher in a new chapter of greater collaboration between the two nations.
While briefing the media on the crucial visit of the Chinese President, the foreign minister, however, remained tightlipped about the amount of the financial package that will come out during the visit. Though officials are still unwilling to speak up about the figure of financial package that China may offer during the visit, diplomatic sources indicated it may exceed US$ 25 billion.
Responding to a question, Mahmood Ali said the Chinese President’s visit will not affect the relations with other countries, including that with India. “We don’t want enmity with anybody. We’ll proceed protecting the country’s interest and following our foreign policy -
friendship to all, malice towards none -” he said.