Dhaka – China termed its President Xi Jinping’s forthcoming Bangladesh visit a ‘milestone’ for Bangladesh-China friendship as the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his tri-nation visit officially on Monday, UNB news agency reported.The Chinese President is scheduled to arrive here on October 14 on a 22-hour visit. The visit is taking place three decades after Chinese President Li Xiannian visited Bangladesh in March 1986.
Announcing the visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said President Xi will be paying State visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart Abdul Hamid.
Quoting Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, Chinese leading media outlets said Bangladesh is China’s important partner in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, and the visit would be a ‘milestone’ for Bangladesh-China relationship.
The diplomat also said President Xi’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh, Cambodia and India would be ‘an important diplomatic activity’ which will help boost ties with South Asia.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi will pay State visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh from Thursday to Friday, and will then fly to Goa to attend the 8th BRICS Summit.
Officials in Dhaka said Bangladesh and China will sign a number of agreements with special focus on improving infrastructure and boosting connectivity.
At the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping will also pay State visits to Cambodia and attend the eighth BRICS Summit in Goa, India.
His three-nation visit will start from October 13 to 17, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
The Chinese President will have important talks with President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Both countries are now in discussions on a number of mega projects involving several billions dollars.
According to draft programme schedule, the Chinese President will arrive at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:40am.
President Abdul Hamid will receive him at the airport amid a rousing reception.
He will hold official talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Prime Minister’s Office at 3pm and the agreements/MoUs signing ceremony will be held at 4pm.
The Chinese President will meet Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at 4:40pm, Foreign Ministry sources said.
Xi will meet his Bangladesh counterpart at Bangabhaban at 6:30pm while the official banquet will be hosted at 7pm.
On Saturday morning, the Chinese President will visit National Martyr’s Monument at 9am and will depart for Goa at 10am.
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is likely to meet him but not finalised yet.
