Bangladesh and Turkiye are moving towards a comprehensive partnership following highly productive talks between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, particularly on defense investment, industrial cooperation and the Rohingya crisis.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made the remarks at a media briefing here today, describing the bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the COP31 World Leaders' Summit in Antalya as exceptionally cordial and significant.
"Bangladesh-Turkiye relations have reached a new high. We are moving towards a stronger and more comprehensive partnership," he said.
The state minister said the two leaders held fruitful discussions on expanding defense cooperation, including potential Turkish investment in Bangladesh's defense industrial park and other areas of defense manufacturing.
"Defense cooperation was discussed in terms of defense investment, possible investment in the defense industrial park, and other areas of defense production," he said.
Humaiun Kobir said the discussions were particularly encouraging regarding the prospects of developing an investment partnership between the two countries.
Highlighting the significance of the meeting, he said President Erdogan had held bilateral talks with only a limited number of visiting heads of government despite his demanding schedule as host of the international climate summit.
"One of the most prominent bilateral meetings on the very first day was with our Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman," he said.
The state minister said the priority accorded to the meeting demonstrated the importance the Turkish President attached to Bangladesh and its leadership in international political and economic affairs.
He said the two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation on the Rohingya crisis, including international legal efforts, humanitarian financing and coordinated diplomatic initiatives.
Humaiun said both sides explored ways to work more effectively together to address the crisis amid growing concerns over declining international assistance for Rohingya refugees.
"Very positive discussions took place," he said, referring to cooperation on the Rohingya issue and financing the humanitarian response.
The state minister said President Erdogan had expressed strong personal warmth towards Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations with Bangladesh.
Quoting the Turkish President, Humaiun said Erdogan told the prime minister: "You are my valued brother. You are the leader of the 180 million people of Bangladesh, but beyond that, you are my valued brother and leader with whom I will work closely."
According to Humaiun Kobir, Erdogan also assured the prime minister of Turkiye's willingness to extend cooperation to Bangladesh in areas within its capacity.
"Whatever is within my capacity and Turkiye's capacity for Bangladesh, I will do it. You just need to let me know where and what needs to be done," Humaiun quoted the Turkish President as saying.
The state minister described the relationship between the two countries as exceptionally strong at the highest political level.
He expressed optimism that the understanding reached during the meeting would help advance cooperation in defense production, investment and humanitarian diplomacy.
"The relationship is exceptionally wonderful, at a high-powered and strong level, and it will move forward, Insha'Allah," Humaiun Kobir said.