Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday held high-level bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Bangladesh and China.

The meeting, held on the final day of Rahman's four-day official visit to China, focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, employment, and regional connectivity. The discussions also underscored both countries' commitment to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and deepening long-term strategic collaboration.

According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO) spokesman Mahdi Amin, the premier raised several issues concerning Bangladesh's national interests during the meeting. He said the visit is expected to elevate Bangladesh-China relations across multiple sectors, reflecting the shared commitment of both governments to broaden bilateral engagement.

According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also met Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, before his talks with President Xi. The separate meeting reviewed parliamentary cooperation and reaffirmed both sides' interest in expanding institutional ties.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladeshi prime minister paid tribute to China's revolutionary heroes at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square. He laid 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. Following the wreath-laying ceremony, Rahman observed a moment of silence in honour of the fallen Chinese heroes.

Upon his arrival at Tiananmen Square, a ceremonial contingent of the Chinese People's Liberation Army accorded the Bangladeshi leader a formal state salute. Prime Minister's spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman and members of the official delegation were present during the ceremony.

Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. On Thursday, the two leaders held official bilateral talks, after which Bangladesh and China signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in areas including trade, investment, development, technology, and other priority sectors. The signing ceremony was followed by an official banquet hosted by Premier Li.

The Beijing visit forms the second leg of Tarique Rahman's maiden overseas tour as prime minister, following his official visit to Malaysia. Similar to his previous foreign engagements, including participation in the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos meeting, the prime minister travelled with a compact delegation of only 25 members, including ministers, state ministers and advisers.

The prime minister is scheduled to depart Beijing for Dhaka later on Friday, concluding a visit that both Dhaka and Beijing view as an important milestone in advancing bilateral relations and expanding strategic cooperation.

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