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Published : 05 Jun 2026, 07:22 PM
Turkey is exploring ways to increase its bilateral trade with Bangladesh from $1.3 billion to $2 billion, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
Speaking at a joint briefing in Dhaka on Friday after talks with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Fidan said the two countries were examining potential measures to expand trade and economic cooperation.
“We are exploring potential initiatives to increase our bilateral trade volume from $1.3 billion to $2 billion,” he said.
Fidan arrived in Dhaka on Thursday for a three-day visit as part of a broader tour of several Asian countries that began on Jun 2.
His official engagements started on Friday morning with a bilateral meeting at the InterContinental Dhaka, led by the two foreign ministers.
The talks were followed by a one-to-one meeting between the ministers.
Following the discussions, Bangladesh and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding on the preservation of cultural heritage.
Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh, while Fidan signed for Turkey.
At the joint briefing, the two ministers outlined key areas of discussion and their positions on regional and global issues, although no questions were taken from the media.
Fidan said the talks focused on bilateral relations, cooperation in international organisations, and regional and global developments.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting prospects for closer defence cooperation, he said the two countries could take further steps to strengthen collaboration, particularly in the defence industry.
Describing Bangladesh as a strong voice of the Global South, Fidan said the country also holds strategic importance for stability, peace, and security in South Asia.
Referring to international and regional issues, he said the two sides had agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination on matters where their positions align.
“Bangladesh bears an immense humanitarian responsibility during this period of growing global challenges. The tragedy faced by the Rohingya Muslims, unfortunately, continues,” he said.
Fidan said Turkey would continue its efforts to keep the Rohingya crisis on the international agenda.
Referring to the “deep-rooted historical ties” between the two nations, he said Turkey remained committed to strengthening its multifaceted relationship with Bangladesh and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.
