Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina embarked on a four-day bilateral visit to Beijing today, at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart. This visit is anticipated to elevate the Bangladesh-China relationship from a "strategic partnership" to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."

A special flight (BG1701) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, carrying the prime minister and her entourage, departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:05 am and is expected to land at Beijing Capital International Airport at 6 pm (Beijing time).

Scheduled Meetings and Agreements

During her stay from July 8 to 11, Prime Minister Hasina will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold a delegation-level bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on July 10. It is expected that 20 to 22 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed, covering cooperation in economic and banking sectors, trade and investment, digital economy, infrastructure development, disaster management, construction of the 6th and 9th Bangladesh-China friendship bridges, agricultural exports, and people-to-people connectivity.

Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, at a press conference, mentioned that the inauguration of several joint projects will also be announced during the visit.

Historical Context and Previous Visits

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Bangladesh in October 2016, solidifying a strategic partnership. Prime Minister Hasina's last visit to Beijing was in July 2019, with multiple prior visits. Next year, the two countries will celebrate the golden jubilee of their diplomatic relations.

Itinerary Highlights

  • On July 9, AIIB President Jin Liqun will pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hasina, followed by a summit on trade, business, and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and China.
  • Meetings with the Consultative Party president and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tiananmen Square will occur in the afternoon.
  • A dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to China will take place in the evening.

Bilateral Meeting and Departure

On July 10, a bilateral meeting led by Prime Minister Hasina and Premier Li Qiang will be held, during which numerous MoUs will be signed. A welcome banquet (lunch) will follow. In the afternoon, Prime Minister Hasina will meet with President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Hasina will depart from Beijing Capital International Airport on July 11 at 11 am (Beijing time), arriving back at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka at 2 pm (BD time).