DHAKA: The foreign minister-level talks between Bangladesh and China began at 10:45 am Sunday at conference room of the foreign ministry.

Foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali is leading a 19-member Bangladesh team and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi is leading 13-member delegates in the bilateral meeting. 

On arrival at the ministry, the Chinese leader visited a photo gallery there and witnessed several historical photos including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Wang Yi also wrote a comment on visitor’s book.

During the meeting, the two countries are likely to review the progress on memorandums, agreements and letters of exchange signed between the two nations during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China in June this year, said sources concerned.

Diplomatic sources said the two countries will discuss joint programmes to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China in 2015 as well as bilateral issues.

Wang Yi arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a three-day visit at the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart AH Mahmood Ali.

Apart form the meeting with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, the Chinese FM will call on President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina.

He would also hold talks with opposition leader Raushon Ershad and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia during his stay in Dhaka.

Wang Yi would leave Dhaka at 2:15pm on Monday. 

BDST: 1228 HRS, DEC 28, 2014