Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, calling for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister raised critical concerns, including arranging for the safe passage of stranded Bangladeshi container ships in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the region.

The meeting took place in New York on Wednesday (September 23) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Discussions focused heavily on the Middle East conflict, regional stability, the security of expatriate Bangladeshis, remittances, maritime cargo transport for Bangladesh, and potential energy crisis concerns.

Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin confirmed the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Iranian President.

Responding to journalists' questions regarding ongoing Middle East tensions, he stated that Bangladesh supports a peaceful resolution and is prepared, if necessary, to play a role from a friendly and neutral stance in facilitating dialogue.

Mahdi Amin noted that Bangladesh has vital partners in the Middle East, and given the impact of the conflict on energy, trade, and Bangladeshi expatriates, the necessity of a peaceful resolution was highlighted in the talks.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also articulated Bangladesh's stance on the international stage regarding climate change.

He advocated for securing climate financing for climate-vulnerable nations, while outlining domestic plans to reduce carbon emissions through river and canal dredging, tree plantation, expanding the use of renewable and solar energy, and promoting electric vehicles.