China rolls out red-carpet for PM Tarique Rahman in Beijing

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening after travelling from the Chinese city of Dalian, where he attended the World Economic Forum's Summer Davos meeting. He was accorded a ceremonial red-carpet reception and a guard of honour upon his arrival, marking the next stage of his first official overseas tour since assuming office.

The Prime Minister and his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, arrived at Chaoming Railway Station in Beijing at 5:35 p.m. local time after travelling aboard a high-speed bullet train from Dalian. Chinese officials extended a warm welcome, complete with a red-carpet reception and full state honours. Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister was escorted in a special motorcade to the historic Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, where he and his high-level delegation will stay during their visit.

Earlier in the day, Rahman attended the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as the Summer Davos Forum, at the Dalian International Conference Centre. He departed Dalian North Railway Station at 1:58 p.m. local time, concluding a series of engagements focused on economic cooperation and regional connectivity before heading to the Chinese capital.

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The Beijing visit follows the Prime Minister's two-day bilateral trip to Malaysia and forms part of his first overseas tour since taking office on February 17 after his party secured a decisive victory in the 13th parliamentary election. His delegation includes Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Overseas Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin, Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, along with senior government officials and members of the Prime Minister's press team.