Bangladesh has sought more assistance from China with respect to fighting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and financial sector.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen made the request during a telephone call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
During the 45 minute long conversation initiated by Wang Yi, Dr Momen talked about the possibility of bringing an expert team of technicians from China to support Sheikh Rasel National Gastroliver Institute and Hospital, which has been declared a dedicated facility in Dhaka for coronavirus treatment.
He discussed the issue of the possibility of accepting Chinese expert medical team comprising of doctors, nurses, and technicians to handle Covid-19 patients and also provide training to Bangladeshi medical professionals.
The foreign minister also shared with his Chinese counterpart the prospect of importing ventilation machines during this critical moment of coronavirus outbreak in Bangladesh.
He also requested Wang Yi to consider deferral of payments against all back to back letter of credit (LC) opened in favour of Chinese suppliers for one year.
The Chinese foreign minister, also the state counsellor, responded positively and assured him of their full support to Bangladesh.
Dr Momen also requested for Chinese help as regards to early repatriation of Rohingyas back to Myanmar as promised.
Wang Yi felt the urge of early repatriation and assured to extend Chinese support to that end. The two foreign ministers also reiterated their support for each other in the international arena.
The Chinese foreign minister expressed gratitude and thanks to the Bangladesh government for its valued contribution of masks, hand sanitizers, hand gloves etc. during the critical moments of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan and other parts of China.
In return, Dr Momen expressed gratitude and thanks to the government of China for their contribution of coronavirus testing kits, PPEs (personal protection equipment) and infrared thermometers.
He also mentioned the contribution of Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation.
The foreign minister also extended his sincere appreciation to the government of China for taking utmost care of Bangladeshi students in Wuhan and whole of China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
