Bangladesh's Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, and Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, spoke at a joint press conference held in Dhaka. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 5, 2026 (BSS) – Türkiye today reaffirmed its commitment to deepening relations with Bangladesh, pledging enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, 
humanitarian affairs and regional diplomacy while supporting Dhaka's efforts on the Rohingya crisis and global peace initiatives.

"We are continuing our efforts to deepen our long-standing partnership across a broad spectrum and elevate it to a much stronger and more visionary level 
on solid foundations," Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka.

Congratulating Dr Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Fidan described the outcome as a 
significant demonstration of the international community's respect for Bangladesh.

"Given Bangladesh's active role at the UN and my brother Mr. Rahman's extensive experience, we have no doubt that he will successfully carry out 
this important duty," he said, assuring Türkiye's continued support for Bangladesh at the global body.

The Turkish foreign minister recalled Dr Rahman's recent visits to Türkiye and said the growing exchange of high-level visits underscored the shared 
determination of the two countries to deepen relations and explore new areas of cooperation.

Fidan said the two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral relations, cooperation within international organisations, and regional and global 
developments.

Highlighting economic cooperation, he said both countries are exploring initiatives to increase bilateral trade volume from US$1.3 billion to US$2 
billion.

He also identified the defence industry as a promising area for enhanced cooperation and said the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen collaboration 
across various sectors.

On the sidelines of the visit, Türkiye and Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of cultural heritage protection.

Describing Bangladesh as "a strong voice of the Global South" and a country of strategic importance for peace, stability and security in South Asia, 
Fidan said the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination on international and regional issues.

On the Rohingya crisis, the Turkish foreign minister praised Bangladesh for hosting more than one million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, describing the 
country's role as a historic humanitarian sacrifice on behalf of humanity.

"I would like to once again emphasize that Bangladesh, which has been hosting over one million Rohingya for years, has demonstrated a historic sacrifice on 
behalf of all humanity," he said.

Fidan said Türkiye would continue intensive diplomatic efforts to keep the Rohingya issue on the international agenda while maintaining humanitarian 
assistance and supporting the safe, dignified and voluntary return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The Turkish foreign minister is scheduled to visit the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar to observe the situation on the ground and review humanitarian 
activities carried out by Turkish agencies, including TIKA, AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent and the Diyanet Foundation.

Turning to regional developments, Fidan said escalating conflicts and instability were increasingly affecting global dynamics and expressed concern 
over the growing risk of wider regional confrontations.

Referring to the ongoing talks between Iran and the United States, he welcomed the progress made and expressed hope that the negotiations would 
produce concrete outcomes leading to lasting peace and stability.

He underscored the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and restoring the pre-war status quo, describing it as vital for 
global economic, energy and food security.

On the situation in Gaza, Fidan accused Israel of attempting to derail ceasefire efforts and called on the international community to take a united 
stand to end the conflict.

"The international community's priority must be to halt Israel's aggression and eliminate the war environment in the region," he said.

Fidan said Türkiye would continue working closely with Bangladesh through new initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and 
promoting peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia and beyond.