Bangladesh-Türkiye Ties Reach New Strategic Height: Minister

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir addresses a press conference in Antalya, Turkey. Photo: Collected.

Bangladesh-Türkiye relations have reached a new strategic height following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said.

The minister said the meeting, held at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya on Tuesday evening, discussed expanding cooperation in several sectors, including trade and investment, energy, aviation and the defence industry.

Both sides expressed interest in exploring the possibility of developing a defence industry in Bangladesh and making joint investments in the sector, Kobir told a press conference on Tuesday night at the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury Hotel in Antalya.

He described the meeting as warm and cordial, saying Erdoğan had addressed Tarique as "my valuable friend and brother" and expressed interest in taking bilateral relations to a higher level.

Alongside expanding trade and investment, the two leaders placed emphasis on energy cooperation, investment in aviation and collaboration in the defence industry, the state minister said.

Kobir said the Bangladesh government had taken an initiative to establish a defence industrial park in the country. The two sides discussed prospects for Turkish investment and joint ventures in the sector.

However, no agreement or memorandum of understanding has been signed on the proposal, which remains at the preliminary discussion stage, he added.

Discussions on energy covered deep-sea mineral and energy exploration, renewable energy and the possibility of drawing on Türkiye's experience and best practices in these areas.

Bangladesh is keen to build a strong investment partnership with Türkiye in these sectors, Kobir said.

Rohingya Repatriation Also Discussed

The state minister said the two leaders also discussed the safe, peaceful and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

They exchanged views on advancing joint efforts following the hearing on the Rohingya issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) this month.

Bangladesh and Türkiye also discussed working together to ensure the safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas to their homeland. The meeting touched on strengthening cooperation on important issues concerning the Muslim world, he added.

Bangladesh's Climate Priorities

Kobir said Bangladesh wants to play a leading role among Global South countries in addressing climate change and securing climate finance.

He said Bangladesh was not only vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but was also actively raising international awareness and calling for easier access to climate funding.

Bangladeshi representatives are expected to participate in various thematic dialogues and sessions at COP31, presenting the country's position on climate adaptation, finance, and loss and damage, he added.

The state minister also said Erdoğan was holding bilateral meetings with only a limited number of leaders attending COP31, describing his meeting with Tarique as a reflection of Türkiye's special interest in Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh was moving forward internationally with new prospects under Tarique's leadership and that international interest in the country's new government had grown following the democratic transition.

Kobir said the prime minister had invited Erdoğan and his wife to visit Bangladesh.

Tarique also had several engagements scheduled for Wednesday, including bilateral meetings with heads of state and government and a meeting with the UK foreign secretary.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibli and Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu attended the press conference.