Dr. Shariful Haque Priom

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on June 26 held a high-level bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic partnership with China.

The meeting took place on the third day of the prime minister’s four-day official visit to China, which is widely viewed as an important step toward expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, development, and regional engagement.

According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesman Mahdi Amin, the discussions focused on a broad range of issues related to Bangladesh’s national interests. He said the visit is aimed at further deepening Bangladesh-China relations across multiple sectors, including strategic cooperation, commerce, investment, employment opportunities, development projects, and people-to-people exchanges.

“The engagement between the two countries is expected to reach new heights through this visit,” the spokesman said, highlighting the growing importance of Bangladesh-China relations in the evolving regional and global landscape.

Before meeting President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held talks with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, at the same venue. The discussions underscored the commitment of both countries to maintaining close political and parliamentary ties while exploring new areas of cooperation.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh premier paid solemn tribute to China’s revolutionary heroes at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square. Arriving at the square around 9:10 a.m. local time, he was accorded a state salute by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Chinese Armed Forces.

The prime minister laid a special red-and-green wreath at the monument as the national anthems of Bangladesh and China were played and the bugle sounded the Last Post. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, he observed a moment of silence in memory of the Chinese heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accompanied during the ceremony by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, along with members of the official delegation.

The visit follows a productive bilateral meeting held on June 25 between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Chinese counterpart, Premier Li Qiang. Following their talks, Bangladesh and China signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in a wide range of sectors, reflecting the expanding scope of bilateral relations.

The agreements are expected to enhance collaboration in economic development, investment, trade, technology, and other priority areas while creating new opportunities for mutual growth and long-term partnership.

After the signing ceremony, Premier Li Qiang hosted an official banquet in honor of the Bangladesh prime minister and his delegation at the Great Hall of the People.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on June 24, where he received the highest state honors, including a ceremonial red-carpet reception and official welcome from the Chinese government.

Notably, the China visit, like his recent visit to Malaysia and participation in the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos meeting, has been undertaken with a relatively small delegation of only 25 members. The delegation includes 11 ministers, state ministers, and advisers, reflecting what officials describe as an efficient and focused diplomatic approach.

The China tour represents the second leg of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s maiden overseas official visit since assuming office, following his visit to Malaysia. The government hopes the trip will pave the way for stronger economic cooperation, increased Chinese investment, enhanced connectivity, and deeper strategic engagement between the two longstanding partners.

The prime minister is scheduled to conclude his official visit and depart Beijing for Dhaka at 5:00 p.m. on June 26, bringing to a close a visit that has already yielded significant diplomatic and economic outcomes for Bangladesh.