PM seeks deeper defence ties with Turkiye

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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for deeper and broader defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkiye, including joint investment in the defence sector, during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Antalya, reports BSS.

The two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade and investment, and expanding cooperation in energy, minerals, climate action and Rohingya repatriation.

The meeting took place at the Max Royal Hotel in Antalya on Tuesday evening, said Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.

The talks came a day before 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.

Tarique stressed the need to diversify defence cooperation and called for greater investment in the sector. He also urged closer dialogue to increase bilateral trade and investment.

On energy and minerals, the two sides discussed cooperation in energy security and mineral resources. Tarique said Turkish investors had opportunities in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector. Both sides underscored the importance of partnerships in renewable energy.

On climate change, the prime minister stressed international cooperation to help vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh tackle its adverse impacts. He also congratulated Turkiye on hosting COP31.

Discussing the Rohingya crisis, Tarique thanked Turkiye for its continued support, including its solidarity with the Rohingya at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and humanitarian assistance.

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 repatriation of the Rohingya. He urged Ankara to continue supporting them at international forums.

At the start of the meeting, Tarique recalled his talks with Erdogan on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York in September and praised progress in bilateral cooperation since then.

Earlier on Tuesday, the prime minister arrived in Antalya on a three-day visit to attend the summit and meet leaders of other countries.

A Turkish Airlines flight carrying Tarique, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and other members of the delegation landed at Antalya Airport at 4:03 pm local time after a stopover in Istanbul. He had left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 7:30 am Bangladesh time.

The prime minister is scheduled to address a plenary session on November 12 and hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.