China aims to take Bangladesh relations to new heights

China has said it looks forward to welcoming Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his first official visit to the country since assuming office, reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and taking relations to a higher level.

Tarique is scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, commonly known as the Summer Davos Forum, in Dalian, Liaoning Province, from June 23 to 25.

The prime minister departed Kuala Lumpur for Dalian on Monday afternoon, concluding a two-day official visit to Malaysia.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing was eager to receive Tarique on his inaugural visit to China as prime minister.

"China stands ready to work with the new government of Bangladesh to strengthen strategic communication and traditional friendship, advance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other areas, enhance coordination in multilateral platforms, and elevate bilateral ties to new heights," Guo said.