Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Turkey and expand cooperation in defense, trade, investment and energy sectors.
The bilateral meeting between the two leaders was held at the Max Royal Hotel in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday evening (November 10). The meeting took place ahead of the summit of heads of state and government organized on the occasion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP-31.
The meeting focused on various issues of mutual interest between the two countries. These included expanding defense cooperation, increasing bilateral trade and investment, Rohingya repatriation, partnership in the energy and mineral resources sectors, and combating the adverse effects of climate change. The two leaders discussed the potential for cooperation and investment in the renewable energy sector in particular.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recalled the meeting held with the President of Turkey on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation in various areas of mutual interest between the two countries. At the same time, he congratulated Turkey for successfully organizing the COP-31 conference.
Importance of expanding defense cooperation
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized on deepening and diversifying defense cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkey. He emphasized on expanding cooperation with Turkey in the defense sector of Bangladesh as well as utilizing the potential of joint investment.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for closer dialogue, communication and mutual partnership to increase bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
Investment prospects in energy and mineral resources
The meeting also discussed ensuring energy security and expanding cooperation in the mineral resources sector. Tarique Rahman said that there is significant potential for Turkish investment in Bangladesh, especially in the renewable energy sector.
The issue of building partnerships between the two countries in this sector and exploiting new investment opportunities was of importance in the discussion.
Cooperation in combating climate change
The Prime Minister highlighted the need to strengthen international cooperation for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh in combating the adverse effects of climate change. He emphasized the importance of effective initiatives, mutual cooperation and partnership of the international community in combating the climate crisis.
Seeking Turkey’s support in Rohingya repatriation
, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised Turkey’s continuous support for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis and their safe repatriation. He expressed gratitude for Turkey’s steadfast solidarity at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. He also thanked Turkey for providing humanitarian assistance on the ground to the Rohingyas who have taken refuge in Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister said that Turkey’s continued support and active role in the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are very important to ensure the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya.
To achieve this goal, he called for Turkey’s continued support for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis and repatriation on an international scale.