Turkey seeks stronger defence ties with Bangladesh
Bangladesh and Turkey were continuing efforts to deepen their longstanding partnership and take bilateral relations to a stronger and more forward-looking level
ATT Desk Report 
Turkey on Thursday expressed strong interest in expanding defence cooperation with Bangladesh as the two countries agreed to deepen strategic engagement and work towards increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion.
"There are steps we can take to enhance our cooperation in various fields, particularly in the defence industry," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman following bilateral talks at the InterContinental hotel in Dhaka.
Fidan said Bangladesh and Turkey were continuing efforts to deepen their longstanding partnership and take bilateral relations to a stronger and more forward-looking level.
"We are continuing our efforts to deepen our long-standing partnership across a broad spectrum and elevate it to a much stronger and more visionary level on solid foundations," he said.
The Turkish foreign minister said the two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral relations, cooperation within international organisations, and regional and global developments.
Highlighting economic cooperation, he said both countries were exploring initiatives to raise bilateral trade volume from $1.3 billion to $2 billion.
Fidan said the growing exchange of high-level visits between the two countries reflected their shared commitment to deepening relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
Congratulating Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), he described the outcome as a significant recognition of Bangladesh's standing in the international community.
"Given Bangladesh's active role at the UN and my brother Mr Rahman's extensive experience, we have no doubt that he will successfully carry out this important duty," he said, assuring Turkey's continued support for Bangladesh.
On the sidelines of the visit, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of cultural heritage protection.
Fidan expressed hope that the agreement would help preserve humanity's shared heritage and further strengthen cultural cooperation between the two friendly nations.
Describing Bangladesh as "a strong voice of the Global South" and a country of strategic importance for peace, stability and security in South Asia, he said the two sides had agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman take part in a bilateral meeting at the foreign ministry in the capital on Friday. Photo: Ministry
The Turkish foreign minister highly praised Bangladesh's role in hosting more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas and described it as a historic humanitarian sacrifice.
"I would like to once again emphasize that Bangladesh, which has been hosting over one million Rohingya for years, has demonstrated a historic sacrifice on behalf of all humanity," he said.
Fidan said Turkey would continue its intensive diplomatic efforts to keep the Rohingya issue on the international agenda and maintain humanitarian assistance for the displaced population.
He reaffirmed Ankara's support for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar.
The Turkish foreign minister was later scheduled to visit the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar to observe the situation on the ground and review humanitarian activities being carried out by Turkish agencies, including TIKA, AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent and the Diyanet Foundation.
Turning to regional developments, Fidan said escalating conflicts and instability were increasingly affecting global dynamics and voiced concern over the risk of wider regional confrontations.
Referring to the ongoing talks between Iran and the United States, he welcomed the progress made and expressed hope that the negotiations would yield concrete results and contribute to lasting peace and stability.
He also underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and restoring the pre-war status quo, describing it as vital for global economic, energy and food security.
Fidan said Turkey highly valued Pakistan's efforts to make the ceasefire permanent and was actively supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
Expressing concern over ceasefire violations, he urged all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
On the situation in Gaza, the Turkish foreign minister accused Israel of attempting to derail ceasefire efforts and called on the international community to take a united stand to end the conflict.
"The international community's priority must be to halt Israel's aggression and eliminate the war environment in the region," he said.
Fidan alleged that Israel continues military operations in Gaza and actions in the West Bank that undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
He said Turkey would continue working closely with Bangladesh through new initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia and beyond.
