Bangladesh and Türkiye Agree to Deepen Strategic Partnership, Expand Trade and Investment Cooperation

Bangladesh and Türkiye have agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership, expand trade and investment cooperation, and explore the possibility of signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

The agreement emerged during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Dhaka.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting, Dr. Khalilur Rahman described the visit as a significant milestone in Bangladesh-Türkiye relations. He said the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is pursuing a foreign policy centered on safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty, national interests, and the welfare of its people under the principle of “Bangladesh First.”

The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment and explored the prospects of concluding an FTA or PTA to facilitate greater economic cooperation. Both ministers expressed optimism that stronger economic ties would further deepen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Dr. Rahman thanked Türkiye for supporting Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and for sending election observers during Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections.

Hakan Fidan described Bangladesh as a “strong voice of the Global South” and emphasized the country’s strategic importance in promoting peace, stability, and economic growth in South Asia. He highlighted significant opportunities for cooperation in defense industries, technology, trade, and investment.

On the Rohingya issue, Fidan praised Bangladesh for hosting more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, describing it as a remarkable humanitarian contribution. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s continued support for the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.

The Turkish foreign minister also addressed regional and global security issues, calling for stronger international efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and stressing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts across the Middle East.

Both ministers expressed confidence that the visit would open new avenues for cooperation and further strengthen bilateral relations in trade, investment, culture, and strategic affairs.