Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming explained his recent remarks on Wednesday to Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen when they met at the state guest house Padma after the vaccine handover ceremony.
“He said he did not mean to harm ties between the two countries”, the foreign secretary told The FE after the meeting.
The Chinese ambassador also termed his remarks as ‘out of context’, Mr Masud said.
During the meeting, according to sources, the Chinese envoy came up with the explanation as the foreign secretary wanted to know the reason behind his ‘unexpected remarks’ made on Monday.
The ambassador had said that Bangladesh-China ties would be substantially damaged if Bangladesh join the Quad alliance in any form.
Asked to comment on the ambassador's remarks, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen had said such remarks from China were unexpected and none from Quad had approached Bangladesh to join it.
Earlier, China’s Ambassador Li handed over 0.5 million vaccines to Bangladesh government as a gift from China.
He said Bangladesh is a time tested friend of China and China would provide all possible support to help Bangladesh fight the Covid pandemic.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com