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Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, the capital of China. The meeting took place on Thursday (June 25) at 5 PM at Beijing’s historic ‘Great Hall of the People’.
According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon, the meeting commenced with the presence of high-level delegations from both countries. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is leading the Bangladeshi delegation, while Premier Li Qiang is leading the Chinese delegation.
The Bangladeshi delegation includes Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir, Finance and Planning Advisor Rashed Hasan Al Mahmud Titumir, and Education Affairs Advisor Mahadi Amin, along with other high-ranking officials.
Prior to the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accorded a state reception. A smart contingent of the Chinese Armed Forces presented him with a guard of honour at the saluting dais of the Great Hall of the People. During this time, the national anthems of both countries were played, and a cannon salute honoured the Prime Minister. Afterwards, the Prime Ministers of both countries inspected the parade of the armed forces and participated in an introduction session with the delegation members.
In honour of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit, the Great Hall of the People adjacent to Tiananmen Square and its surrounding areas were adorned with the national flags of Bangladesh and China. This significant Chinese building is where the sessions of the country’s highest legislative body, the National People’s Congress, are held.
According to government sources, discussions in the meeting are focusing on strengthening Bangladesh-China relations, expanding trade and investment, infrastructure development, river management, energy cooperation, and various issues of mutual interest. There is a possibility that several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed between the two countries after the meeting.
It is noteworthy that after concluding his visit to Malaysia on June 21, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the World Economic Forum conference in Dalian, China. After various programs there, he arrived in Beijing on Wednesday by high-speed train. This marks his first visit to China since assuming the office of Prime Minister. His last visit to China was in 2001, as an entourage member of then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.