World Leaders Call PM a ‘Transformative Leader’: Humayun Kabir
World leaders are viewing PM Tarique Rahman’s leadership as transformative following Bangladesh’s democratic transition, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir stated at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Pavilion during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. According to the State Minister, heads of state and government are attaching great importance to Tarique Rahman’s transformative role and democratic mandate in leading a nation of nearly 180 to 200 million people. Throughout the day, the PM attended the opening and plenary sessions of the COP31 World Leaders Summit, where he exchanged pleasantries with global leaders and representatives of international organizations.
During the summit, PM Tarique Rahman held two major bilateral meetings alongside several warm and cordial courtesy calls. He met with the Presidents of Brazil, the Maldives, Iran, Syria, and Somalia, as well as the PMs of Moldova, Pakistan, and Kuwait, the OIC Secretary-General, the Mayor of London, and the President of the Zero Waste Foundation. Humayun Kabir noted that world leaders congratulated the PM on Bangladesh’s democratic transition and electoral mandate while expressing strong interest in deepening bilateral ties. In these interactions, Tarique Rahman invited the Brazilian President to Bangladesh, while the Maldivian President also expressed interest in an upcoming visit.
Key bilateral discussions yielded significant diplomatic and economic engagements across multiple regions. In his meeting with the Chinese Vice President, discussions centered on bolstering political and economic ties, specifically increasing Chinese energy investment, including a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) LNG terminal, heavy industry, employment, and infrastructure. They also explored a regional economic corridor connecting Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar, alongside China’s cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Meanwhile, talks with the President of Uzbekistan focused on launching direct air connectivity and easing visa processes, with the PM accepting an invitation to visit Uzbekistan next year.
Regional stability, economic partnerships, and international solidarity also featured prominently in the PM’s engagements. The Syrian President sought Bangladesh’s support in reconstruction, investment, and skilled workforce, while talks with the Pakistani PM covered regional stability and the Middle East situation. In discussions with the Kuwaiti PM, strengthening longstanding economic partnerships was prioritized. During his meeting with the OIC Secretary-General, Tarique Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s firm support for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue. Additionally, the Mayor of London met with the PM, reflecting on Tarique Rahman’s long stay in the British capital.
Referring to a highly fruitful meeting held the previous day with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, State Minister Humayun Kabir highlighted positive discussions regarding bilateral relations and Bangladesh’s potential role in establishing peace in the Muslim world. Emphasizing Bangladesh’s extensive experience and contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations, the State Minister noted that the government would positively consider utilizing this expertise to foster peace in the Muslim world if such an opportunity arises, keeping national interests in mind. Overall, the engagements at COP31 underscored growing international recognition of Bangladesh’s new leadership and expanding global partnerships.
