Antalya:Dhaka Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed from Dhaka this morning for a three-day official visit to Türkiye to attend the COP31 World Leaders' Summit. During his visit, he is scheduled to address a plenary session and engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the prime minister, accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and other members of his entourage, boarded a Turkish Airlines flight that left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 730 am. Several dignitaries, including Planning and Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, were present at the airport to see him off.
The COP31 summit, which is the annual UN climate conference, will be held in Antalya on November 11-12. Prime Minister Rahman is expected to deliver Bangladesh's statement at the plenary session on November 12, highlighting the nation's stance on climate justice, adaptation, and sustainable development.
The prime minister's delegation includes several key ministers and officials, such as the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and two state ministers for foreign affairs. Additionally, the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, has indicated that arrangements for sideline meetings are underway, including possible discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other international leaders.
The meetings are anticipated to explore topics such as bilateral relations, trade, investment, and climate cooperation. Bangladesh aims to emphasize its minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions while advocating for climate justice and financial commitments from developed nations.
Bangladesh will also use the platform to showcase its climate resilience achievements and promote jute as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastics. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has organized side events focusing on women's vulnerability to climate change and the promotion of biodegradable jute products.
The prime minister is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on November 13.