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Tarique, Erdogan Discuss Defence Ties, Trade and Investment, Energy Cooperation
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![]() Tarique, Erdogan Discuss Defence Ties, Trade and Investment, Energy Cooperation Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, expand defence cooperation, increase trade and investment, and deepen collaboration in energy and mineral resources. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya ahead of the high-level World Leaders’ Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said. Their discussions covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the Rohingya crisis, energy security, renewable energy, climate change and broader economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkiye. At the beginning of the meeting, Tarique recalled his previous engagement with Erdogan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September. He expressed satisfaction over the progress made in bilateral cooperation and congratulated Turkiye on hosting COP31. The prime minister emphasised the importance of further strengthening and diversifying defence ties between the two countries. He also called for greater collaboration in the defence sector through initiatives such as joint investment to reinforce their longstanding partnership. On economic relations, Tarique urged both sides to hold closer discussions to identify new opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and attracting Turkish investment to Bangladesh. The leaders also explored prospects for cooperation in energy security and mineral resources. Highlighting Bangladesh’s potential in renewable energy, Tarique encouraged Turkish investors to explore opportunities in the sector and develop mutually beneficial partnerships. On climate change, the prime minister underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing its growing impacts, particularly on vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh. He called for stronger collective efforts to tackle the global challenge. Tarique also expressed appreciation for Turkiye’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis. He thanked the Turkish government for its firm backing of the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its humanitarian assistance to refugees in Bangladesh. He said Turkiye’s continued engagement at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was vital to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. The prime minister urged Ankara to maintain its support for the Rohingya cause at international forums to help find a lasting solution to the prolonged crisis. The meeting began at 7:15pm local time and lasted approximately 30 minutes. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were also present. Meanwhile, Humaiun Kobir described the meeting as a reflection of the cordial relations between Bangladesh and Turkiye and Tarique’s commitment to taking bilateral ties to a new level. Speaking at an evening press briefing at the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury Hotel in Antalya, he said Bangladesh’s expanding international engagement under Tarique’s leadership was a matter of pride for the country. He also highlighted the significance of the prime minister’s participation in the high-level leaders’ summit as a representative of Bangladesh at the important international gathering. Earlier, Tarique arrived in Antalya in the afternoon on a three-day visit to attend the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for November 11-12, and hold bilateral discussions with leaders from different countries.
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