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Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
New Diplomatic Chapter Begins: China, Pakistan, Bangladesh Launch First Trilateral Ministerial Dialogue
In a landmark diplomatic development, the foreign secretaries of China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh convened in Kunming, Yunnan Province on June 19–20 for the first-ever trilateral ministerial dialogue . This strategic meeting marked the formal initiation of a three-way framework to deepen cooperation in blue economy, climate change resilience, trade, connectivity, and regional peacebuilding. The Chinese delegation was led by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, while Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique. Pakistan was represented by Additional Secretary for Asia-Pacific Affairs Imran Ahmed Siddiqui with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch joining virtually in the initial session. In a joint statement, all three parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a 'good-neighborly, equal, and inclusive partnership' aimed at common development, sustainable growth, and mutual prosperity across South and East Asia. Maritime Economy: Emphasis on sustainable fisheries, port development, shipping collaboration, and blue economy innovation. Emphasis on sustainable fisheries, port development, shipping collaboration, and blue economy innovation. Climate Cooperation: Joint efforts on flood management, renewable energy research, carbon emission control, and coastal resilience building. Joint efforts on flood management, renewable energy research, carbon emission control, and coastal resilience building. Trade and Connectivity: Expansion of regional value chains, cross-border e-commerce platforms, and infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Expansion of regional value chains, cross-border e-commerce platforms, and infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Youth & Education: Scholarships, student exchanges, and trilateral think-tank networks to promote knowledge sharing. Scholarships, student exchanges, and trilateral think-tank networks to promote knowledge sharing. Health and Agriculture: Development of food safety standards, public health cooperation, and green farming initiatives. To ensure the implementation of these objectives, a dedicated Working Group is set to be formed, responsible for overseeing action plans and facilitating ongoing cooperation. Analysts interpret this trilateral initiative as a reflection of shifting power dynamics in Asia. The framework aligns with China's vision of regional integration through its Belt and Road Initiative, while also offering Bangladesh and Pakistan a platform for mutual development without being caught in regional rivalries. Importantly, all three sides reiterated that this cooperation is 'non-exclusive and not aimed against any third party,' signaling a desire to maintain strategic neutrality while enhancing regional diplomacy. The Kunming dialogue represents more than just a diplomatic gathering — it signals the beginning of a new trilateral era where shared challenges like climate change, maritime instability, and development disparities are addressed collectively. As the working group moves forward, observers are keen to see how these nations translate dialogue into durable policy frameworks. For Bangladesh, this platform opens doors to both regional influence and economic opportunity, particularly in the maritime and climate sectors, where cooperation is both urgent and essential. Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China), The Economic Times, Business Standard, Anadolu Agency TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Print
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
Beijing hosts 1st Pakistan-China-Bangladesh trilateral, says ‘not directed at any third party'
According to official statements from both the Pakistani and Chinese foreign ministries, the three countries committed to deepening ties through 'mutual trust and good-neighborly principles'. A working group will be established to implement cooperation projects and follow up on the agreements reached. The high-level meeting was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Acting Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Ruhul Alam Siddique, and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, who participated virtually. New Delhi: Beijing Wednesday hosted the first ever trilateral meeting between Bangladesh, China and Pakistan in Kunming city in the Chinese province of Yunnan. In a statement issued later, the Chinese foreign ministry said, in an apparent reference to India, the 'three sides emphasized that China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, not directed at any third party'. Details of the agreements reached are still unclear at this point. The discussions focused on strengthening trilateral collaboration across a range of sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy, marine sciences, environmental protection, education, green infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. 'The Foreign Secretary expressed Pakistan's desire for a deeper engagement between China and South Asian countries. Expressing satisfaction at the upward trajectory of bilateral ties, the Foreign Secretary conveyed Pakistan's readiness to work with China and Bangladesh to enhance ties in trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy,' said the readout issued by the Pakistan foreign ministry. China's role as convenor of this trilateral format also signals Beijing's intent to reshape regional order through alternative multilateral formats to counterbalance India's influence in the region and advance its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional influence with more flexible, cooperative frameworks. 'Sun Weidong stated that the Chinese government is committed to building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries. Bangladesh and Pakistan are both good neighbors, good friends, and good partners of China, and important partners in high quality Belt and Road cooperation. As significant members of the Global South and key countries in the region, all three countries face the mission of national revitalization and modernization, and all require a peaceful and stable environment. Cooperation among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh aligns with the common interests of the three peoples, and can contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity,' the Chinese foreign ministry said. The meeting comes amid a significant realignment in South Asian geopolitics. Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed high-level engagements in April, after a 15-year diplomatic freeze. The two countries held a Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) earlier this year. A Bangladeshi military delegation also made a rare visit to Pakistan in January, meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, while Bangladesh's Navy participated in a Pakistani-led maritime exercise off the coast of Karachi in February. These moves come as Dhaka's interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, takes a more open stance towards Pakistan, in contrast with the historically tense ties under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus has criticized India for harbouring Hasina and has formally requested her extradition—a request to which India has yet to formally respond. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin in April met with his Pakistani counterpart and raised long-standing grievances, including a demand for a formal apology from Pakistan for the 1971 war atrocities during Bangladesh's independence struggle. In a broader diplomatic context, Sun also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the trilateral meeting in Kunming, including with Afghanistan's Acting Deputy Prime Minister Haji Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi. (Edited by Amrtansh Arora) Also Read: New Delhi-Dhaka must reimagine ties as 'strategic necessity for collective growth'—Bangladesh envoy
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
China, Pakistan, Bangladesh hold inaugural trilateral ministerial meet
China, Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to advance cooperation based on the principles of good-neighbourliness, equality and mutual trust at the inaugural trilateral meeting of their foreign ministry officials. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong , Bangladeshi Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique and Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Imran Ahmed Siddiqui attended the meeting held at the Chinese city of Kunming, capital of Southern Yunnan province, where China is holding its annual South Asia expo. Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch participated, via a video link, in the first phase of the meeting on Thursday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry press release said here on Friday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in National Capital Region - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo China's new strategic initiative to bring closer the two estranged South Asian countries in India's immediate neighbourhood comes a month after a similar trilateral mechanism meeting was held with Pakistan and Afghanistan. In his address, Sun Weidong said Bangladesh and Pakistan are both good neighbours, good friends, and good partners of China, and important partners in high quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Foreign Ministry's press release said. Live Events Cooperation among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh aligns with the common interests of the three people, and can contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Sun who was a former Ambassador to Pakistan and India, said. The three sides exchanged views extensively on China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral cooperation and agreed to establish a working group to follow up and implement the understandings reached during the meeting, the press release said. They also emphasised that China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, not directed at any third party, it added. Thursday's trilateral mechanism comes in the backdrop of Bangladesh's Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government last year, warming up to China and seeking Beijing's assistance on various fronts, in an apparent efforts to reduce his country's dependence on India. Yunus has also sought to establish close ties with Pakistan, reviving for the first-time Bangladesh's links with Pakistan after the separation following the 1971 war. The Chinese press release said the three countries have agreed to advance trilateral cooperation based on the principles of good-neighbourliness, equality and mutual trust, openness and inclusiveness, common development, and win-win cooperation during the meeting in Kunming. The trilateral cooperation focuses on promoting economic development and improving people's livelihoods. The three sides agreed to explore and implement cooperation projects in such areas as industry, trade, maritime affairs, water resources, climate change, agriculture, human resources, think tanks, health, education, culture, and youth, it said. In Kunming, Sun also called on Haji Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Acting Deputy Prime Minister of the interim government of Afghan, and held bilateral meetings with Ruhul Alam Siddique and Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. A Pakistan Foreign Ministry press release said Baloch commended the Chinese side for convening the inaugural meeting of the trilateral mechanism. Noting the common aspirations of the three sides for people-centric development, she expressed Pakistan's desire for a deeper engagement between China and South Asian countries. Expressing satisfaction at the upward trajectory of bilateral ties, she conveyed Pakistan's readiness to work with China and Bangladesh to enhance ties in trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy, environment protection, marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. The three sides agreed that trilateral cooperation would be guided by the principles of openness, inclusivity, good neighbourliness, mutual respect and trust, while working towards win-win cooperation, it said.
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Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
China, Pakistan, Bangladesh hold inaugural trilateral ministerial meet
China, Pakistan, Bangladesh have held the inaugural session of their trilateral meeting of foreign ministry officials, Beijing's new strategic initiative to promote closer ties between two estranged South Asian countries in India's immediate neighbourhood. It is the second such trilateral that China has established in India's neighbourhood after its foreign ministers' mechanism with Pakistan and Afghanistan last month. On Thursday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladeshi Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique and Additional Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Imran Ahmed Siddiqui attended the meeting held at the Chinese city of Kunming, capital of Southern Yunnan province. Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch participated in the first phase of the meeting via video link, a Chinese Foreign Ministry press release said here on Friday. In his address, Sun Weidong said Bangladesh and Pakistan are both good neighbours, good friends, and good partners of China, and important partners in high quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Foreign Ministry's press release said. Cooperation among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh aligns with the common interests of the three peoples, and can contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity, Sun who was a former Ambassador to Pakistan and India, said. The three sides exchanged views extensively on China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral cooperation and agreed to establish a working group to follow up and implement the understandings reached during the meeting, the press release said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Arab News
12 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan, China, Bangladesh agree to enhance cooperation in trade, investment and maritime affairs
ISLAMABAD: Senior officials of Pakistan, Bangladesh and China on Friday vowed to enhance trilateral cooperation in various sectors such as trade, investment, health, education, maritime affairs and others, the Chinese foreign ministry said. Pakistan and Bangladesh are both part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which aims to connect Asia, Africa and Europe. China envisions the BRI to be a global network of roads, railways, ports, energy pipelines and trade corridors that strengthens Beijing's trade ties with other regions for the benefit of its economy. Pakistan and China are historic allies while strained ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have started to improve since the ouster of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina last year. The China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Trilateral Vice Foreign Minister/Foreign Secretary meeting was held in Kunming, Yunnan on Thursday, to discuss cooperation in various sectors between the three countries. The meeting was attended by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladeshi Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique and Pakistani Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch participated in the first phase of the meeting via video link. 'The three sides agreed to explore and implement cooperation projects in such areas as industry, trade, maritime affairs, water resources, climate change, agriculture, human resources, think tanks, health, education, culture, and youth,' the Chinese foreign ministry said. The statement said Pakistan, Bangladesh and China will establish a working group to follow up and implement the understandings reached during the meeting on Thursday. The three sides emphasized that China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, not directed at any third party, it added. Pakistan's foreign office said Baloch conveyed Islamabad's readiness to work with China and Bangladesh to enhance ties in trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy, environment protection, marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. 'The three sides agreed that trilateral cooperation would be guided by the principles of openness, inclusivity, good neighborliness, mutual respect and trust, while working toward win-win cooperation,' Pakistan's foreign office said. Pakistan has recently eyed closer cooperation in trade and investment with regional allies as it grapples with a macroeconomic crisis that has drained its financial resources, significantly weakened its currency and triggered a balance of payments crisis for the South Asian country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly spoken about his government's intention to enter 'mutually beneficial' partnerships with allies as opposed to seeking loans from them. In recent months Pakistan has signed memoranda of understanding with allies such as Saudi Arabia, China, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Turkiye and others worth billions of dollars.
