Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will definitely visit China “at some point,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said on Monday, stressing that the timing and itinerary of the Prime Minister’s first bilateral visit abroad have not yet been finalised.

“Once finalised, we will let you know. At some point, the Prime Minister will visit China, which remains an important development partner for Bangladesh,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Adviser made the remarks amid speculation that the Prime Minister may visit China first, potentially with developments related to the Teesta project.

He said Bangladesh had a “very good and positive” discussion with China regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), adding that China’s Exim Bank will finance the project.

Asked when work on the Teesta project would begin, the Adviser said the study report is currently being reviewed and recommendations are being looked into.

He said the project requires detailed discussions and further consultations before implementation can proceed.

“More discussions are pending. More time will be needed for detailed discussions,” he added.

At the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman visited China from May 5 to 7, during which the two sides held talks in Beijing.

Adviser Humaiun Kobir accompanied the Foreign Minister.

Both sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen exchanges and collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, health and people-to-people connectivity.

Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support for the country’s development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kobir said Bangladesh’s relations with China are historic and the relationship was initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman.