Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Turkey to maintain its support in international forums for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis and the repatriation of the displaced population.

He highlighted that Turkey's continued backing and active engagement in the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) remain crucial for guaranteeing a safe, dignified, and sustainable return for the Rohingya refugees.

The Prime Minister made the appeal during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday evening (November 10), ahead of the opening of the World Leaders Summit at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31). Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu briefed the media following the session.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude for Turkey’s steadfast solidarity with Bangladesh at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. He also extended thanks to Turkey for its ongoing field-level humanitarian assistance provided to the Rohingya living in Bangladesh camps.

Key Areas of Bilateral Discussion
According to the Deputy Press Secretary, the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions aimed at deepening ties across several key sectors:

Defense Cooperation: PM Tarique Rahman emphasized strengthening and diversifying defense ties, advocating for expanded cooperation and joint investments in Bangladesh’s defense sector.

Trade & Investment: Both sides underscored the need for closer dialogue and direct communication to boost bilateral trade volumes and mutual investment.

Energy & Mineral Resources: Discussions covered energy security and expanding partnership in mineral resources, with the Prime Minister highlighting significant opportunities for Turkish investment in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector.

Climate Action: Emphasizing international cooperation for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, the Prime Minister called for actionable global partnerships to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.

At the outset of the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman recalled his previous interaction with President Erdogan on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York last September, expressing satisfaction with the ongoing progress of bilateral cooperation. He also congratulated Turkey on successfully hosting COP31.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Minister of State-1 Humayun Kabir were present at the meeting.