Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing this afternoon.

The meeting is set to begin at 5:00pm local time, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said.

Meanwhile, the Great Hall of the People has been prepared to welcome the Bangladesh Prime Minister.

The venue and surrounding area have been decorated with the national flags of Bangladesh and China, while Bangladeshi flags are flying along both sides of the road leading to the state building.

Premier Li Qiang will accord a red-carpet reception to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at 4:45pm local time. Following the formal welcome ceremony, the two leaders will sit for bilateral talks.

The Bangladesh delegation will include Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Economic and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and other senior officials.

Several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Bangladesh and China are expected to be signed in the presence of the two Prime Ministers following the talks.

After the high-level meeting, the Chinese Premier will host a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Great Hall of the People.