Antalya:Bangladesh and Trkiye have engaged in discussions to enhance their bilateral cooperation, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, technology transfer, renewable energy, waste management, and people-to-people interactions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussions took place during a meeting between Trkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador A. Berris Ekinci, and Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam. This meeting was held at the Bangladesh Pavilion on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Trkiye.
Both parties addressed various mutual interests and emphasized the importance of collaboration to tackle environmental challenges that impact both nations and the global community. Shama Obaed extended her congratulations to the Turkish Deputy Minister on the successful organization of COP31 and expressed gratitude for the Turkish government's hospitality.
Additionally, Shama Obaed praised the Zero Waste initiative championed by Trkiye's First Lady, which aligns with Bangladesh's 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) strategy. The ministers underscored the value of exchanging experiences and best practices in sustainable waste management.
Furthermore, the state minister sought cooperation from Trkiye in promoting jute and jute-based products as sustainable alternatives to plastic. She highlighted the potential of Bangladesh's jute sector to contribute significantly to global efforts in reducing plastic pollution. Shama Obaed also extended an invitation to the Turkish Deputy Minister to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time and presented jute-made handicrafts as a token of goodwill.