PM to visit more neighbouring countries under inclusive foreign policy: Titumir

The current government is pursuing an inclusive foreign policy, unlike the "exclusive" approach of the previous Hasina administration, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will continue engaging with all neighbouring countries following his recent visits to Malaysia and China, Prime Minister's Economic Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said today (26 July).

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Bangladesh-China Relations: Enhanced Trust and New Direction," organised by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU), Titumir said Bangladesh's diplomacy is guided by national interests and seeks constructive engagement with all partners rather than favouring any particular bloc.

"Our foreign policy is inclusive, not exclusive," he said, adding that the prime minister's China visit should not be viewed in isolation.

"As he visited China, he will also visit our neighbouring countries," Titumir said, underscoring the government's balanced diplomatic approach.

Bangladesh's relationship with China has entered a new phase of deeper strategic cooperation following Tarique Rahman's June 2026 visit to Beijing, the adviser said, describing the two countries as partners committed to building a "shared future" based on mutual trust and common prosperity.

"Our friendship is rooted in mutual respect, sovereign equality, non-interference, and a shared aspiration for peace, stability and development," he said, adding that China has long been a trusted friend and valued strategic partner of Bangladesh.

Reaffirming Dhaka's foreign policy position, Titumir said Bangladesh remains firmly committed to the one-China principle and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, describing them as integral to international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Highlighting the significance of the prime minister's visit to China in June, he said the two countries elevated their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.

The adviser also paid tribute to the leaders who laid the foundation of bilateral ties, recalling the visits of former president Ziaur Rahman in 1977 and 1980, which he said opened the door to modern Bangladesh-China relations, and later engagements by former prime minister Khaleda Zia that expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.

He said Bangladesh's foreign policy under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman remains independent and sovereign, with national interest at its core, while also promoting neighbourhood diplomacy, South-South cooperation and constructive engagement with all partners.

"Within this vision, China occupies a place of special importance," he said.

The adviser said the next challenge is to translate the two countries' shared vision into tangible outcomes that directly benefit their people.

He welcomed progress under China's Global Development Initiative and said Bangladesh is open to expanding practical cooperation wherever the interests of the two countries converge and where such collaboration contributes to sustainable development and regional stability.

Titumir also said Bangladesh and China are working to operationalise the proposed 2+2 Dialogue on Diplomacy and Defence and are preparing to hold the inaugural foreign minister-level Strategic Dialogue, which he said would provide strategic direction to the expanding bilateral partnership.

Focusing on economic cooperation, he said Bangladesh's newly approved Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development aligns well with China's upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, creating opportunities for greater collaboration.

He said the convergence of the two development strategies, together with the global 2030 development agenda, provides a strong foundation for pragmatic cooperation.