PM urges Turkey's continued support for Rohingya repatriation

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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on Turkiye to maintain its support in international forums for a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis and their safe repatriation to Myanmar, reports BSS.

He said Turkiye's continued support and active role at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were vital to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingyas.

Tarique made the call during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya on Tuesday evening, Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said.

The meeting took place on the eve of the World Leaders' Summit of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).

During the meeting, Tarique thanked Turkiye for its firm solidarity with the Rohingyas at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh.

He urged Ankara to continue supporting efforts to resolve the crisis and ensure the Rohingyas' repatriation through international forums.

The two leaders also discussed strengthening Bangladesh-Turkiye relations, expanding defence cooperation, increasing trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in energy, mineral resources and climate action, Shiplu said.

Partnership and investment opportunities in renewable energy also featured in the discussions.

At the beginning of the meeting, Tarique recalled his meeting with Erdogan on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York last September and expressed satisfaction with progress in cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister also congratulated Turkiye on hosting COP31.

On defence, Tarique stressed the need to deepen and diversify cooperation, including through joint investment in Bangladesh's defence sector.

He also called for closer dialogue to boost bilateral trade and investment.

The two sides discussed energy security and cooperation in mineral resources. Tarique said there were significant opportunities for Turkish investment in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector.

On climate change, the prime minister stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to help vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh address its adverse impacts.

He called for effective partnerships and collective action to tackle climate-related challenges.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were present at the meeting.