Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to begin his first overseas tour since assuming office, embarking on a six-day visit to Malaysia and China aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, attracting investment and enhancing regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister will leave for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday afternoon at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before travelling to China on Monday afternoon at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam disclosed details of the visit at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh and China are expected to sign between 15 and 17 bilateral instruments during the visit, including 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), two agreements, one action plan and one protocol.
He said discussions will also cover integrated river management issues, including the Teesta project and the Padma Barrage initiative.
“Bangladesh will discuss integrated river management issues, including Teesta and the Padma Barrage, with China,” he said.
The Foreign Secretary also noted that Bangladesh is considering participation in China’s four major global initiatives, although no final decision has yet been taken.
The Malaysia leg of the tour will focus on expanding trade, labour market cooperation and investment opportunities.
Bangladesh will also seek Malaysia’s support for joining the ASEAN platform.
An MoU on educational cooperation between the two countries is also under consideration.
On June 25, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The following day, he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of his official visit to China.
During his stay in China, the Prime Minister will attend the World Economic Forum’s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum.
The forum will be held in the Chinese city of Dalian from June 23 to 25.
The Prime Minister is also expected to hold separate meetings with three world leaders on the sidelines of the forum.
According to the Foreign Secretary, the Prime Minister will travel with a relatively small delegation comprising around 27 to 28 members.
Some delegation members may return after the Malaysia visit, while adjustments to the delegation could be made before the China leg of the tour.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on June 26.
Additional Foreign Secretary AKM Shahidul Karim and other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present at the media briefing.