Dhaka, Beijing discuss bringing in medical team from China

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has discussed with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi the possibility of bringing in an expert medical team from China to support Sheikh Russell Gastroliver Institute and Hospital.

The hospital has been declared a dedicated facility in Dhaka for Covid-19 treatment.

The Bangladeshi foreign minister had the discussion during a telephone conversation with his Chinese counterpart on Wednesday, said a press release issued by the ministry.

AK Abdul Momen discussed a number of issues with Wang Yi, including the possibility of bringing in a team of Chinese medical experts, comprising doctors, nurses and technicians, to handle coronavirus patients, provide them with treatment and train Bangladeshi medical professionals.

Momen also spoke with the Chinese foreign minister about the possibility of importing ventilation machines from China during this critical moment of the coronavirus outbreak in Bangladesh.

Momen requested Wang to consider deferral of payments against all back-to-back letters of credit (LCs) opened in favour of Chinese suppliers for one year. The Chinese foreign minister responded positively and assured him of their full support to Bangladesh.

Recalling the meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Momen requested his Chinese counterpart to help with the early repatriation of the Rohignyas to Myanmar as promised.

The Chinese foreign minister assured of extending his country's support in the matter.

The two foreign ministers also reiterated their support for each other in the international arena.

Wang Yi expressed gratitude and thanks to the Bangladesh government for its valued contribution of masks, hand sanitisers, hand gloves etc during the critical moments of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan city and other parts of China.

In exchange, Foreign Minister Momen expressed gratitude and thanks to the Chinese government for their contribution of coronavirus testing kits, personal protection equipment and infrared thermometers.

He also mentioned the contribution of the Jack Ma Foundation and the Alibaba Foundation.

Momen extended his sincere appreciation to China for taking utmost care of Bangladeshi students in Wuhan and other parts of China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

He expressed Bangladesh's solidarity with the Chinese government for observing April 4 as the national mourning day in China.

During the 45-minute conversation, the Chinese foreign minister reassured and promised to work together to overcome newer challenges.