Bangladesh and China today signed 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering various areas of cooperation between the two countries, reports UNB.

The MoUs were signed following bilateral talks between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Of them, four MoUs were signed to enhance bilateral cooperation in media sector of the two countries. The MoUs were signed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan and the heads of China's Xinhua News Agency and China Media Group (CMG).

Tarique Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation while Li Qiang headed the Chinese side during the talks.

The signing of the MoUs is expected to elevate bilateral cooperation between the two countries to a new level.

Earlier, Li accorded a red-carpet reception and a ceremonial guard of honour to Tarique at the Great Hall of the People.

The Bangladesh delegation included Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, 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.

Bangladesh and China have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the management of the Teesta and other rivers in Bangladesh, reports BSS.

The agreement came when Chinese Water Resources Minister Li Guoying called on Tarique Rahman at Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted Bangladesh's ongoing river excavation programme aimed at reducing flood risks, protecting the environment, and ensuring the proper management of water resources.

In this connection, he sought China's support in improving Bangladesh's water resource management.

Tarique Rahman also sought Chinese technical assistance in the Teesta management project.

In response, the Chinese minister assured of extending full cooperation to Bangladesh government's initiatives in water resource management.

The Chinese minister noted that Bangladesh could benefit from China's experience in water management and invited Bangladeshi water experts and official concerned to receive training in China.

Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing yesterday from the Chinese city of Dalian after attending the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos.

The prime minister is on a four-day visit to China.