Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met China’s water resources minister, Li Guoying, in Beijing on Thursday, where the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the management of the Teesta and other rivers in Bangladesh.

The meeting, held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse at 12 pm (Chinese local time), focused on deepening bilateral co-operation on flood mitigation, environmental protection and water resources management.

Rahman briefed Li on Bangladesh’s ongoing river dredging programme and requested technical assistance from Beijing for the Teesta management project. Li responded positively and assured the government of Bangladesh of full co-operation in water resources management, according to a readout.

Citing a 2005 memorandum of understanding and a visit by Chinese water experts to Bangladesh last year, the prime minister dubbed the existing bilateral cooperation in water resources management between the two countries as practical and research-based, according to the statement.

The prime minister also sought Chinese support for river erosion prevention, irrigation management and navigation development. Li said Bangladesh could draw on China’s experience and invited Bangladeshi water specialists and officials to undertake training in China.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Titumir, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Prime Minister’s Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin and PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were present.

The prime minister arrived in Beijing on Wednesday from Dalian after attending the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos gathering. He arrived along with his wife and entourage members.

[Anika Mahzabin reported from China]