Bangladesh and Turkiye have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in defence, trade, investment, energy and other strategic sectors following a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya, Türkiye, on Tuesday evening (November 10), a day before the opening of the leaders’ summit ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).

During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on expanding defence cooperation, increasing bilateral trade and investment, facilitating the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, strengthening energy and mineral resources partnerships, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recalled his previous discussion with Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation between the two countries in various areas of mutual interest and congratulated Türkiye on hosting COP31.

Tarique Rahman stressed the importance of expanding the existing defence partnership between Bangladesh and Türkiye into a broader and more diversified relationship. He also called for stronger cooperation and greater opportunities for joint investment in the defence sector.

The prime minister underscored the need for regular communication and closer discussions between the two countries to increase bilateral trade and investment.

Energy security and cooperation in mineral resources were also prominent issues during the talks. Tarique Rahman highlighted the significant potential for Turkish investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector and called for establishing an effective partnership to explore investment opportunities in this area.

On climate change, the prime minister emphasised the need for stronger international cooperation to support vulnerable countries like Bangladesh in dealing with the adverse effects of global warming. Both leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and partnerships to address the climate crisis.

The Rohingya issue also received considerable attention during the meeting. Tarique Rahman appreciated Türkiye’s continued support for Bangladesh in addressing the refugee crisis and expressed gratitude for its strong solidarity at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He also thanked the Turkish government for continuing humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees on the ground.

The prime minister emphasised that Türkiye’s continued support and active role at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were crucial to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

He called on Türkiye to maintain its diplomatic support for Bangladesh at international forums to help find a lasting solution to the crisis and create favourable conditions for the refugees’ voluntary return to Myanmar.