Bangladesh, China to launch 2+2 dialogue ‘very soon’, Dhaka says

New Delhi: Bangladesh and China are set to launch a new 2+2 dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy and defence, with Dhaka saying the engagement will begin in the “very near future”. The proposed mechanism is expected to add a new strategic dimension to bilateral ties as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation across defence, infrastructure, trade and regional issues.

The country’s junior foreign minister, Humaiun Kobir, made the announcement in Dhaka on Sunday after Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, called on him at the foreign ministry. Kobir said the two sides are preparing for the dialogue but have not yet agreed on a specific date for the first meeting.

“The groundwork for the 2+2 engagement is currently being laid for further interactions. So yes, it will commence at a mutually convenient time in the very near future,” Kobir told reporters at the foreign ministry.

According to BSS, Kobir said the proposed mechanism would initially involve diplomacy and defence discussions at the state minister level, followed by a foreign minister-level strategic dialogue. He described the 2+2 format as one of the highest levels of strategic cooperation with China and said it reflected the growing depth of relations between Dhaka and Beijing.

He also described China as an important development partner and reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to the “One China” principle.

The announcement comes around two months after the recent visit by the Bangladeshi prime minister, Tarique Rahman, to China, during which the two sides discussed several major areas of cooperation, including the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. Kobir and Yao also discussed the early launch of the foreign minister-level strategic dialogue during their meeting.

The two sides reviewed progress on key outcomes of the Rahman’s visit, including the China economic and industrial zone (CEIZ) and the commercial contract for modernizing the Mongla port. Possible Chinese cooperation in establishing a Mongla export processing zone (EPZ) was also discussed.

Yao briefed Kobir on the implementation of the agreements and initiatives discussed during the Bangladeshi prime minister’s visit, while the two sides also exchanged views on the China-Bangladesh-Myanmar economic corridor and cooperation on the Rohingya issue. They further discussed initiating the process for exporting Bangladeshi jackfruit and guava to China.

The Chinese ambassador said the CEIZ is expected to attract around 30 Chinese companies with investment of about $500 million and could create an estimated 100,000 jobs for Bangladeshis. He also briefed Kobir on upcoming high-level Chinese visits to Bangladesh and invited the state minister to visit China in October.

Kobir described his meeting with Yao as positive and said the discussions focused on advancing key foreign policy priorities and giving greater substance to the bilateral relationship. The planned 2+2 dialogue is expected to become an important new channel for coordinating Bangladesh-China cooperation on strategic, diplomatic and defence matters