Play store
Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan has met Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in Antalya, where they discussed cooperation on climate justice, sustainable development, women’s health and environmental protection.
The meeting took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the World Leaders’ Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam disclosed the details at a press conference in Antalya.
She said Emine Erdoğan expressed interest in sending a team of Turkish experts to Bangladesh to share expertise and work with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to address health problems faced by women in coastal and marginalised communities due to climate change.
The two sides discussed cooperation in improving maternal healthcare and tackling the adverse effects of climate change on women and children.
Dr Zubaida highlighted the challenges faced by women in Bangladesh, particularly in coastal areas, including health risks, displacement and difficulties in adapting to changing environmental conditions.
Emine Erdoğan praised the resilience of the Bangladeshi people in dealing with climate-related challenges and expressed interest in cooperation in renewable energy, solar power, waste-to-energy production and environmentally friendly initiatives.
The meeting also discussed expanding international markets for Bangladeshi jute products, particularly biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. The Turkish First Lady showed particular interest in promoting such products.
Dr Zubaida briefed her on various government initiatives aimed at building an environmentally sustainable Bangladesh, including tree plantation programmes and the ‘Amar Khal Khanon’ (Digging My Canal) initiative.
The Rohingya crisis also featured in the discussions. Emine Erdoğan recalled her visit to Bangladesh and the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar in 2017.
Shama Obaed said Türkiye had reaffirmed its commitment to continuing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and supporting their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar.
The meeting also emphasised the need to ensure healthcare, education and other basic rights for the displaced Rohingya population until their return.
Dr Zubaida invited the Turkish First Lady to visit Bangladesh. Emine Erdoğan expressed interest in visiting the country again at a convenient time.
The meeting was also attended by Samed Ağırbaş, president of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 Climate Champion.
Dr Zubaida is accompanying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his three-day official visit to Türkiye to attend the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit in Antalya.
