Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Signs 13 MoUs with China, Eyes Teesta Project and Fighter Jets

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, during his first official visit abroad since assuming office. The high-profile bilateral meeting marked a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, Rahman met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, following which 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed under the Global Development Initiative. The agreements cover areas such as trade, investment, employment, development projects, and people-to-people exchanges, as reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sanstha.

The visit aims to elevate Bangladesh-China relations across multiple dimensions, according to Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office. Rahman is expected to raise issues related to Bangladesh's national interests, including the Teesta River management plan. China has expressed willingness to assist in important projects like the Teesta plan. An agreement has been reached to increase cooperation in the management of various rivers in Bangladesh, including the Teesta.

Bangladesh has also decided to move forward with plans to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE multirole fighter jets. The J-10CE, an export version of China's advanced J-10C fighter, is known for its agility and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities. This acquisition will make Bangladesh only the second foreign country after Pakistan to operate this aircraft.

During his visit, Rahman paid tribute at the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square, placing a red-green wreath. He later attended a banquet hosted by Premier Li Qiang.

After the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated: 'President Xi noted that China has all along attached great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations, and upheld the policy of good-neighbourliness and friendship toward all the people of Bangladesh. No matter how the world changes, China will not waver in its commitment to the general direction of building friendship with Bangladesh, and will always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh.' Mao added that China supports Bangladesh in upholding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in rejecting foreign interference.

Rahman's visit to China is the second leg of his maiden overseas trip, following a tour of Malaysia. He is scheduled to return to Dhaka later today.