Bangladesh, Türkiye to Establish Ministerial Joint Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs

Bangladesh and Türkiye have agreed to establish a ministerial-level joint committee on defence and foreign affairs to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The decision was made during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon, according to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.

The two sides also agreed to hold annual meetings between their foreign ministers as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation. During the discussions, they expressed optimism about expanding collaboration in trade, investment and production, while also working together to address the Rohingya crisis.

At the outset of the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman welcomed Hakan Fidan and thanked the Turkish government for its continued support to Bangladesh and its people. He also expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s backing of Bangladesh’s candidate for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir were present at the meeting.

Hakan Fidan arrived in Dhaka from Seoul on Thursday night on a three-day official visit.

On Friday, he held bilateral talks with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka before travelling to Cox’s Bazar to observe the situation of the Rohingya population.