Bangladesh and Turkey have agreed to establish a joint ministerial committee to strengthen defense and strategic political cooperation. The understanding was reached during a courtesy meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon on Saturday, according to statements from the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. Both countries also agreed to hold annual foreign office consultations and a 2+2 dialogue involving their foreign and defense ministers to deepen strategic ties.

The meeting covered issues including the Rohingya crisis, climate change, trade and investment, joint production, and regional and international matters of mutual interest. Fidan conveyed greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and described his visit as the first step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic level. Prime Minister Rahman thanked Turkey for its continued support, particularly for backing Bangladesh’s candidate for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly.

Before leaving Dhaka, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh and praised the country’s efforts in hosting over one million Rohingya refugees. His three-day official visit included meetings with government and opposition leaders and a field visit to refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.