Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Antalya ahead of the COP31 leaders’ summit. Bangladesh’s delegation said Rahman sought deeper defence cooperation and joint investment, alongside trade and energy discussions. He also requested continued Turkish diplomatic support for the safe, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Antalya, Türkiye, on 10 November, ahead of the United Nations climate conference’s COP31 leaders’ summit. The meeting lasted about half an hour. Trade, investment and bilateral cooperation were discussed, according to Bangladeshi officials. Rahman was in Antalya for a three-day visit.[1], [2]
Rahman sought deeper and more diversified defence cooperation, including joint investment. He also highlighted opportunities for Turkish investment in Bangladesh’s renewable-energy sector. Energy security and mineral resources were on the agenda. In discussing climate change, he stressed collective international action for vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Humaiun Kobir attended the talks.[1]
Rahman thanked Türkiye for humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees and support at the International Court of Justice. He sought continued Turkish engagement at the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation. He also recalled meeting Erdoğan at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. The Antalya meeting preceded the leaders’ summit on 11–12 November.[1]
