Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is leaving for Beijing today on a three-day state visit at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi .
This is his first visit to China since the formation of the BNP-led government following the 13th national election.
He is scheduled to leave Dhaka at noon. He will be accompanied by the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir. According to diplomatic sources, the main objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and further strengthen strategic communication between the two countries.
According to analysts, this visit to China, which comes so soon after his recent visit to India, carries an important signal of maintaining balance in regional diplomacy.
Khalilur Rahman will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday (May 6). The meeting will focus on energy cooperation, trade expansion, modernization of Mongla Port, export of Bangladeshi agricultural products—especially jackfruit—to China, and the launch of direct flights between Chittagong and Guangzhou and Shanghai.
In addition, discussions are expected to focus on the relocation of Chinese industries, the establishment of economic zones, and expanding cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative . The Rohingya crisis and the regional security situation will also be on the agenda.
Diplomatic sources have said that China’s support will be sought for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly .
The visit is also likely to include meetings with several top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party. In addition, discussions may also be held on a possible visit to China by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman . Those concerned hope that the visit can take place between mid-June and the first half of July.
According to analysts, this visit can play an important role not only in bilateral relations, but also in determining Bangladesh’s diplomatic position in the regional and global context.