Tarique, Erdogan discuss defence cooperation, trade, Rohingya repatriation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, expand defence cooperation, boost trade and investment, and enhance collaboration in energy and mineral resources.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya, a day before the start of the high-level summit of world leaders ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), said PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

During the meeting, they discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis, energy security, renewable energy, climate change and the expansion of economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

At the outset of the meeting, Tarique recalled his previous meeting with Erdogan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September.

He appreciated the progress in cooperation between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest and congratulated Türkiye on successfully hosting COP31.

Focus on defence cooperation

The Prime Minister emphasised the need to deepen and diversify defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

He also stressed expanding collaboration in the defence sector, including through joint investment, as part of efforts to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

On trade and investment, Tarique called for closer discussions between the two sides to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral commerce and attracting more investment.

Energy and mineral resources

The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in energy security and mineral resources.

Tarique highlighted the opportunities for Turkish investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector, stressing the potential for developing a partnership in this area.

Cooperation on climate change

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.

He stressed the need for collective efforts to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.
Support for Rohingya repatriation

Tarique seeks continued Turkish support for Rohingya repatriation

The Prime Minister appreciated Türkiye’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and expressed gratitude for its firm solidarity with the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He also thanked Türkiye for providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas on the ground.

Tarique said Türkiye’s continued support and active role at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were crucial to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.

He called upon Türkiye to maintain its support for the Rohingyas at international forums to help resolve the protracted crisis.

The meeting began at 7:15 PM local time at Maxx Royal Hotel and lasted around 30 minutes, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were also present at the meeting.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived in Antalya in the afternoon on a three-day visit to attend the World Leaders’ Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled for November 11-12, and hold talks with leaders of different countries.