Bangladesh, Türkiye reaffirm to bolster ties
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Bangladesh and Türkiye reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties across political, economic, defence, and humanitarian sectors during the 4th Political Consultations held on Tuesday at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka.
The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and Turkish Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador A. Berris Ekinci. The discussions, described as warm, cordial, and constructive, reflected the historic friendship, mutual respect, and cultural and religious affinity between the two nations. Both sides reiterated their shared aspirations for peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
Bangladesh expressed deep appreciation for Türkiye’s steadfast support to the Interim Government and its reform initiatives focused on democracy, rule of law, human rights, and inclusive governance. In turn, the Turkish side reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its democratic transition and institution-building efforts.
The two sides discussed ways to diversify trade, enhance connectivity, attract investment, and promote joint ventures, emphasizing the need to hold the next session of the Joint Economic Commission soon. Bangladesh invited further Turkish investments and sought Türkiye’s cooperation in tackling post-graduation challenges following its transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Both countries reviewed defence and security cooperation and expressed satisfaction with growing collaboration in defence industries, procurement, training, and capacity building.
They also highlighted the importance of strengthening counterterrorism cooperation to combat extremism in all forms.
In the energy sector, Bangladesh and Türkiye identified significant opportunities for partnership, with a focus on green technologies and sustainable energy solutions to meet Bangladesh’s growing needs.
The two sides also welcomed expanding cooperation in education, culture, science, and technology, and agreed to enhance collaboration in research, innovation, vocational training, ICT, youth and sports, and cultural exchanges to deepen people-to-people ties.
Bangladesh thanked Türkiye for its continued support in the health sector, including the treatment of those injured during the ‘July Revolution’ and the ongoing operation of Türkiye’s Field Hospital in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in healthcare.
Dhaka expressed deep gratitude for Türkiye’s sustained political and humanitarian support on the Rohingya issue. Both sides emphasized the urgent need for justice, accountability, and the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the displaced Rohingya to Myanmar. Bangladesh also thanked Türkiye for actively participating in the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya, held on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on September 30.
Addressing regional and global developments, Bangladesh and Türkiye welcomed new recognitions of the State of Palestine by several countries and reiterated support for an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank, and attempts to alter the status quo in Jerusalem, while urging an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and the rejection of starvation as a weapon of war.
Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the D-8. Bangladesh congratulated Türkiye for successfully hosting the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in June 2025 and the 49th D-8 Commission meeting in May 2025, both in Istanbul.
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of existing bilateral agreements and instruments that have broadened cooperation across multiple sectors. They also agreed to expedite the finalization and signing of pending agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
The consultations concluded in a spirit of shared purpose, with both sides agreeing to hold the 5th round of Political Consultations in Ankara at a mutually convenient date. The delegations affirmed that the outcomes of this round would further solidify the growing partnership between Bangladesh and Türkiye.