TBM Report
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman is likely to lead the Bangladesh delegation at the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit that will take place in Antalya, on Türkiye’s south coast, on November 11 and 12, reliable sources said.
The Turkish environment minister and COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum said the COP31 World Leaders’ Summit, at which dozens of heads of government are expected—-that will take place in Antalya, on Türkiye’s south coast, on November 11 and 12.
Previous leaders’ summits have taken place on the first two days of the COP negotiations or, at last year’s conference in Belém, before the start. But this year’s gathering will take place on the third and fourth day (Wednesday and Thursday) of the November 9-20 talks. Kurum said the summit “will be a key moment in generating political momentum and visibility for COP31.”
Last November, when Türkiye was chosen as host of the annual UN climate summit, Kurum said that, while the negotiations would be in the resort city of Antalya, the leaders’ summit would take place in the country’s largest city, Istanbul. No explanation for the change of decision was given in Kurum’s letter.
Every COP conference is preceded by a smaller pre-COP gathering, attended by government climate negotiators. Because of a deal struck with Australia, which gave up its bid to physically host the summit in exchange for leading the COP31 discussions, this year’s pre-COP will take place on the Pacific island of Fiji, with a “leaders’ event” 2.5 hours’ flight north in Tuvalu.
Kurum’s letter said both events would take place between October 5-8 and “will contribute to reflecting diverse perspectives in an inclusive manner.”
Bangladesh is at high risk of climate change and the present BNP government is giving higher priority to this issue, said an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while talking to this correspondent.
Bangladesh ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Its low-lying delta geography, extreme monsoon variability, and high population density expose it to catastrophic threats, including devastating floods, tropical cyclones, and projected sea-level rises that could submerge 17% of its territory by 2050
During the visit, the prime minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, is likely to hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, underscoring Turkiye’s continued support for displaced Rohingyas and humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh, sources said.
During the visit, Dr. Rahman and his Turkish counterpart are expected to hold bilateral talks, focusing on a wide range of issues, including trade and investment, security cooperation, regional developments and matters of mutual interest.
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscoring Turkiye’s continued support for displaced Rohingyas and humanitarian efforts in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and Türkiye have been working to further strengthen their economic partnership, with both sides aiming to increase bilateral trade volume from US$1.35 billion in 2025 to US$2 billion in the coming years.
During the visit Bangladesh will seek Turkish cooperation on deepening civil and military cooperation between two countries. Bangladesh is likely to seek Turkey’s cooperation in reducing India’s strategic dominance in the region. A foreign ministry official said.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Bangladesh last month and expressed interest in expanding strategic cooperation and strengthening trade, investment and humanitarian engagement.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam received him upon arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
As part of his itinerary, Fidan inspected humanitarian assistance projects implemented in the camps by Turkish agencies and organizations, including the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation, and Türkiye’s Ministry of Health. He will also visit the Turkish Field Hospital operating in the camps.
The visit follows a bilateral meeting between Fidan and Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Ankara on March 14, which was the first foreign minister-level engagement between the two countries after the BNP government assumed office.
