Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to strengthen peace and stability across South Asia, describing Dhaka as a key partner in regional diplomacy.
Calling Bangladesh an exceptional country and a strong voice of the Global South, Fidan said it holds strategic importance for the security architecture of the wider region.
“We will continue to take steps that will embody our common will to strengthen our relations with new projects and to reinforce stability, peace, and prosperity in South Asia,” he said during a joint press briefing with his Bangladeshi counter part this morning.
Earlier in the morning, Fidan held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, marking what both sides described as the beginning of a “new era” in bilateral relations aimed at elevating ties to a strategic partnership beyond traditional cooperation.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment following Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections in February 2026 and Khalilur’s earlier visit to Türkiye in March this year.
Fidan expressed Türkiye’s strong support for the government, while describing Khalilur’s victory in the UNGA presidential election as a “significant recognition” of Bangladesh’s global influence. Khalilur, in turn, expressed deep gratitude for Türkiye’s support during the election process.
The two sides discussed expanding economic and defence cooperation and reviewed steps to raise bilateral trade from the current $1.3 billion to a target of $2 billion.
Khalilur proposed exploring a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or an interim Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and invited Turkish investors to utilise Special Economic Zones, highlighting textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding and renewable energy as priority sectors.
Fidan said that both countries are exploring comprehensive defence cooperation, while Khalilur Rahman specifically pointed to “defence item manufacturing” as a key area for Turkish investment.
The partnership agenda also extends to infrastructure and social development, with Bangladesh proposing that Türkiye establish an international-standard hospital and nursing institute in Dhaka.
During the visit, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the protection of cultural property, which Fidan described as a joint commitment to safeguarding the “common heritage of humanity”.
Both foreign ministers were scheduled to visit Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar in the afternoon to inspect the activities of Turkish humanitarian organisations including TIKA, AFAD and the Red Crescent.
Khalilur reiterated that the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar remains Bangladesh’s top priority. Türkiye, meanwhile, pledged to keep the crisis on the international agenda and continue supporting a fair and lasting solution.
Fidan also voiced concern over rising instability in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing “genocide” in Gaza and attempts to obstruct a two-state solution in Palestine. He called for an end to Israeli aggression and occupation in Lebanon to restore regional stability.
Touching on broader geopolitical tensions, he noted the Iran-related conflict and its adverse impact on the global economy and energy security.
