Antalya:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized the need to deepen and diversify defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkiye during a bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade and investment, and expanding cooperation in sectors such as energy, minerals, climate action, and the Rohingya repatriation.
The meeting took place at the Max Royal Hotel in Antalya, ahead of the two-day World Leaders' Summit of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled for November 11-12. Prime Minister Rahman stressed the importance of making defence cooperation between the two nations more multifaceted and expanding joint investment in the defence sector.
In the realm of energy and minerals, both sides deliberated on expanding cooperation in energy security and mineral resources, with Rahman highlighting opportunities for Turkish investors in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector. The importance of forging partnerships in this sector was underscored.
Addressing climate change, Rahman highlighted the need for international cooperation to assist vulnerable countries like Bangladesh in tackling its impacts and congratulated Turkiye for hosting COP31. On the Rohingya crisis, he expressed appreciation for Turkiye's consistent support and called for Ankara's continued backing in international forums to ensure the safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya.
Earlier, Rahman recalled his meeting with Erdogan during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York in September, praising the progress made since then. The Prime Minister arrived in Antalya on a three-day visit to attend the summit and engage in talks with various world leaders.