Malaysia to support Bangladesh's ASEAN membership, China to assist in Teesta project: FM

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said Malaysia will support Bangladesh's bid for ASEAN membership, while China will provide maximum assistance for the Teesta project. Both countries have agreed to expedite the feasibility study process.

He made the remarks at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday afternoon, June 27, regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visits to Malaysia and China.

The foreign minister said the prime minister's visits to China and Malaysia achieved unprecedented success, leading to a motion of thanks being moved in parliament, with the opposition leader and the entire house greeting the prime minister.

On the Rohingya issue, the foreign minister said there are three parties involved: Myanmar, the Arakan Army, and the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. He noted that both the Myanmar foreign minister and the Arakan Army chief had sent congratulatory messages when he was appointed. "I cannot elaborate further, but we have communication. I believe we will find a solution in the coming days," he said.

He also noted that the BNP government had resolved the Rohingya crisis twice before and expressed confidence in doing so again.

He said the depth of relations with Malaysia was evident from the Malaysian prime minister's sharing of the song 'Mahajadu'.

On the China visit, he said China would provide maximum assistance for the Teesta project, and both sides have agreed to expedite the feasibility study.

The foreign minister said the relationship between Bangladesh and China has reached a new high, surpassing previous ties.