PM urges Australia to boost investment, support Rohingya repatriation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday sought Australia's support in attracting greater investment to Bangladesh and facilitating the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The meeting was held at 10:30am local time on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Hasan Shiplu said.

The two leaders discussed several issues of mutual interest, including climate change, Australian investment opportunities in Bangladesh, agricultural development and the Rohingya crisis.

During the talks, Tarique stressed the need to give priority to developing and particularly climate-vulnerable countries in addressing the impacts of climate change. He also appreciated Australia's leadership in the ongoing COP31 negotiations.

Highlighting Bangladesh's investment potential, the Prime Minister said the country offers considerable opportunities for foreign investors. Both leaders also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the agricultural sector.

On the Rohingya issue, Tarique urged Australia to intensify its diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe and sustainable return of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh to their homeland in Myanmar.

"The Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar, and its lasting solution also lies in Myanmar," he said.

The Prime Minister also outlined Bangladesh's renewable energy ambitions, stating that the government aims to meet 20 percent of the country's total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.

He highlighted other government initiatives to protect the environment and address climate change, including plans to plant 250 million trees nationwide and excavate canals.

The two leaders also exchanged invitations to visit each other's countries. Albanese expressed hope of visiting Bangladesh next year at a mutually convenient time, while Tarique said he looked forward to visiting Australia.

Tarique arrived in Antalya on Tuesday for a three-day official visit. On Thursday, he addressed the High-Level Segment of COP31, calling for five urgent actions to protect climate-vulnerable nations.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Prime Minister has held bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment and addressing climate change challenges.

He has also held courtesy meetings with several other world leaders and heads of international organisations.