Tarique Rahman Holds Busy Schedule at Climate Summit, Meets Chinese Vice President, Uzbek President and Other World Leaders

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. During his three-day official visit, he has been busy attending the opening session and holding bilateral meetings and courtesy calls with heads of state and government from different countries.

On Wednesday, Mr. Tarique Rahman held bilateral meetings with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the COP31 venue in Antalya. Discussions with the Chinese vice president focused on Chinese investment in Bangladesh, tackling climate change and other issues of mutual interest. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir was present.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu said discussions with the Uzbek president focused on strengthening bilateral relations, addressing the adverse impacts of climate change and expanding mutual cooperation. The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation on issues of shared interest. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Humayun Kabir attended the meeting.

Exchanges Greetings with World Leaders

Before the opening ceremony, Mr. Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings with heads of state and government and senior representatives of international organisations at the Leaders’ Lounge.

He arrived at the conference venue at 10:10am local time on Wednesday and was welcomed by the organisers. Hasan Shiplu said world leaders gathered at the Leaders’ Lounge for brief informal discussions on issues of mutual interest.

Mr. Tarique Rahman was accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.

Among those who exchanged greetings with the prime minister were OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He also exchanged greetings with members of the Indonesian delegation.

Seeks Türkiye’s Support for Permanent Solution to Rohingya Crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Türkiye to continue supporting efforts for a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis and their repatriation.

He said Türkiye’s continued support and active role at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were crucial to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingyas.

Tarique Rahman made the request during a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

Hasan Shiplu said the prime minister expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s unwavering solidarity with Bangladesh on the Rohingya humanitarian crisis at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He also thanked Türkiye for providing humanitarian assistance to Rohingyas sheltering in Bangladesh.

The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding defence cooperation, increasing trade and investment, Rohingya repatriation, cooperation in energy and mineral resources, and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

Prospects for partnership and investment in the renewable energy sector also featured in the discussions.