Bangladesh-Turkiye relations have reached a new strategic height following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said.
The meeting, held at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya yesterday evening (10 November), focused on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade and investment, energy, aviation and the defence industry.
Both sides expressed interest in exploring the possibility of developing a defence industry in Bangladesh and making joint investments in the sector, the state minister said at a press conference at the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury Hotel in Antalya on Tuesday night.
Humaiun Kobir said the meeting between the Bangladesh prime minister and the Turkish president took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere. President Erdogan addressed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as “my valuable friend and brother” and expressed his interest in taking relations with Bangladesh to a higher level.
Alongside increasing bilateral trade and investment, the meeting placed emphasis on energy sector partnerships, investment in aviation and cooperation in the defence industry.
Humaiun Kobir said the Bangladesh government has taken an initiative to establish a defence industrial park in the country. The two sides discussed prospects for Turkish investment and joint ventures in the sector. However, he said no agreement or memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed on the matter, which remains at the preliminary stage of exploration and discussion.
He said discussions on energy covered deep-sea mineral and energy exploration, renewable energy and the scope for utilising Turkiye’s experience and best practices in these areas.
Bangladesh is keen to build a strong investment partnership with Turkiye in these sectors.
Speaking about the Rohingya crisis, the state minister said the two leaders discussed the safe, peaceful and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas. They also exchanged views on how to advance joint efforts following the hearing on the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) scheduled for this month.
He said Bangladesh and Turkiye discussed working together to ensure the safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. The meeting also touched on strengthening mutual cooperation on key issues concerning the Muslim world.
The state minister said Bangladesh wants to play a leading role among Global South countries in tackling climate change and securing climate finance. Bangladesh is not only a victim of climate change but is also actively raising international awareness and calling for easier access to climate finance, he said.
He said Bangladeshi representatives would participate in various thematic dialogues and sessions at COP31 and present the country’s position on climate adaptation, finance, and loss and damage.
Humaiun Kobir said President Erdogan is holding bilateral meetings with only a few leaders attending COP31, and that his meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reflects Turkiye’s special interest in and importance attached to Bangladesh.
He said Bangladesh is moving forward on the international stage with new prospects under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership. International interest in the new government has also been growing following the country’s democratic transition.
The state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited President Erdogan and his wife to visit Bangladesh.
He added that the prime minister had several important engagements scheduled for Wednesday, including bilateral meetings with heads of state and government from various countries and a meeting with the UK foreign secretary.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibli and Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu were present at the press conference.
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