Xi, Tarique agree to deepen bilateral co-op

Bangladesh and China agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, connectivity and other key sectors as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.
The high-level meeting, one of the most significant engagements of Tarique Rahman’s four-day official visit to China, lasted around 30 minutes, beginning at 10:40am local time (8:30am Bangladesh time), Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said, reports BSS.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a broad range of issues relating to Bangladesh-China relations, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, connectivity and other areas of mutual interest.
Officials said the talks are expected to further deepen bilateral ties and open up new avenues of cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier, Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Mahdi Amin said Tarique Rahman would raise issues relating to Bangladesh’s national interests during the meeting.
“This visit aims to deepen Bangladesh-China relations across multiple dimensions,” Mahdi said, adds BSS.
“From strategic cooperation to trade, investment, employment, development projects and people-to-people exchanges, bilateral engagement between the two countries is expected to reach new heights.”
Before meeting President Xi, the prime minister held talks with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), at the same venue.
Earlier in the morning, Tarique Rahman paid tribute to Chinese revolutionary heroes at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square.
He placed a red-and-green wreath at the monument as the national anthems of Bangladesh and China were played and the bugle sounded the Last Post. The prime minister then observed a moment of silence in honour of the fallen Chinese heroes.
Upon his arrival at Tiananmen Square, he was accorded a state salute by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Chinese Armed Forces. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and other members of the delegation were present.
Tarique Rahman is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
On Thursday, Bangladesh and China signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in a wide range of sectors following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People.
After the meeting and the signing ceremony, Li Qiang hosted a banquet in honour of the Bangladesh prime minister and his delegation.