Turkiye shows interest in renewable energy, green products, recycling, women’s health: Shama Obaed

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State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Turkiye expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh in renewable energy, eco-friendly products, waste management and women's healthcare, reports BSS.

Speaking at a press conference at the Papillon Ziugma Relaxury Hotel in Antalya on Tuesday, she said the issues were discussed at a meeting between Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan.

Shama Obaed said Emine Erdogan, who is also chairperson of the Zero Waste Foundation, showed particular interest in expanding the market for Bangladeshi jute products, especially biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, in Turkiye and other international markets.

The Turkish First Lady also expressed interest in cooperation in solar power, waste-to-energy production and other environmentally friendly initiatives.

She praised Bangladesh's initiatives to promote an eco-friendly economy and said there was considerable scope for cooperation in energy production, jute products, women's empowerment and climate action, the state minister said.

Shama Obaed said Dr Zubaida briefed Emine Erdogan on government initiatives under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build an eco-friendly Bangladesh, including tree plantation and the “Amar Khal Khanon” (digging my canal) programme.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in addressing climate change and its effects on women and children. Emine Erdogan praised the resilience of the people of Bangladesh in facing climate-related challenges, she said.

The state minister said the Turkish First Lady had also expressed willingness to send a team of experts to Bangladesh to share Turkiye's experience in addressing climate-related health problems faced by women in coastal and marginalised areas.

The experts would work with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, focusing on women's healthcare and maternal health, she said.

On the Rohingya crisis, Shama Obaed said the two sides discussed safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation, which she described as the only sustainable solution.

She said Turkiye had long provided humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas. The meeting also stressed ensuring healthcare, education and other basic rights for them until their return. Emine Erdogan assured Bangladesh of Turkiye's continued support.

Shama Obaed said Dr Zubaida invited the Turkish First Lady to visit Bangladesh. Recalling her 2017 visit, Emine Erdogan expressed interest in returning soon at a convenient time.