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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for deeper and broader defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye, including joint investment in the defence sector, during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Antalya.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Maxx Royal Hotel on Tuesday evening, ahead of the World Leaders’ Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), according to the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu.
During the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding defence cooperation, increasing trade and investment, energy security, mineral resources, renewable energy, climate change and the Rohingya crisis.
Focus on defence cooperation
Tarique emphasised the need to deepen and diversify defence ties between the two countries. He also stressed expanding cooperation through joint investment in the defence sector.
The two sides discussed opportunities to explore a defence industry in Bangladesh and attract Turkish investment. Bangladesh has also taken an initiative to establish a defence industrial park, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said.
However, no agreement or memorandum of understanding (MoU) has yet been signed, and the proposal remains at the preliminary discussion stage.
Trade, investment and energy
The prime minister called for closer engagement to expand bilateral trade and attract greater investment.
The two leaders also discussed cooperation in energy security and mineral resources. Tarique highlighted opportunities for Turkish investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector and proposed building a partnership in this area.
Rohingya crisis
Tarique expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s continued support for the Rohingya people, including its humanitarian assistance and solidarity with Bangladesh at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He sought Türkiye’s continued diplomatic support at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to ensure the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Climate cooperation
The prime minister also highlighted the importance of international cooperation to address climate change, particularly for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.
At the beginning of the meeting, Tarique recalled his previous talks with Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York last September.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir were present at the meeting, which lasted around 30 minutes.
The prime minister is visiting Türkiye to attend the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit on November 11-12.
