Antalya:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for increased Australian investment in Bangladesh and support for the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. These requests were made during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting between the two leaders, which took place at 1030 am local time, also covered discussions on climate change, investment opportunities in Bangladesh, the Rohingya crisis, and other mutual interests. Tarique Rahman extended an invitation to Albanese to visit Bangladesh, to which the Australian Prime Minister responded positively, expressing hope to visit next year. Likewise, Albanese invited Tarique to visit Australia, with Tarique indicating an intention to visit at a convenient time.
During discussions on climate change, Tarique emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of developing countries, particularly those vulnerable to climate impacts. He praised Australia's leadership at COP31, noting Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. The Prime Minister also highlighted investment opportunities in Bangladesh, urging for increased Australian investment, and discussed potential cooperation in agriculture.
On the Rohingya issue, Tarique sought Australian support to ensure the safe repatriation of displaced Myanmar nationals sheltered in Bangladesh. He called for stronger Australian diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, emphasizing that a sustainable solution must be found within Myanmar. Additionally, Tarique briefed Albanese on Bangladesh's renewable energy plans, aiming to meet 20 percent of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, along with government initiatives for environmental protection and climate change adaptation.