PM Tarique Rahman Calls for Deeper, Multifaceted Defence Ties with Türkiye at COP31 Summit

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stressed the need to deepen and diversify defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye during high-level bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Held on Tuesday evening at the Max Royal Hotel in Antalya ahead of the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit, the discussion focused on expanding trade, mutual investment, renewable energy, and regional stability.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu, the Prime Minister advocated for multi-layered defence collaboration and joint ventures in defence production. He also encouraged Turkish businesses to explore growing investment opportunities within Bangladesh’s renewable energy and mineral resource sectors to strengthen long-term energy security.

The dialogue also addressed critical environmental and humanitarian concerns:

• Climate Action: Prime Minister Rahman praised Türkiye for hosting COP31 and urged stronger international cooperation to support vulnerable nations coping with climate impacts.

• Rohingya Crisis: Expressing appreciation for Ankara’s humanitarian assistance and legal advocacy at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Prime Minister urged Türkiye to maintain its active support through the UN and OIC for the safe, dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

Recalling their previous encounter at the UN General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister commended the steady progress achieved in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Rahman, accompanied by Dr. Zubaida Rahman and a high-level delegation, is scheduled to address the plenary session on November 12 alongside further bilateral engagements with global leaders.