Erdogan likely to attend finale event of Mujib Borsho in March

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Bangladesh as soon as COVID-19 pandemic is over either to attend on the finale event of Mujib Borsho on 17 March or D-8 Summit, reports UNB.

The Turkish president accepted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's invitation to visit Bangladesh, said an official at the foreign affairs ministry.

If he cannot come to Bangladesh due to COVID-19 pandemic, he shall participate through technology.

Bangladesh is celebrating Mujib Borsho marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen met the Turkish president at the presidential complex in Ankara on Wednesday and discussed various issues of mutual interest including visit of Turkish president to Bangladesh.

Dhaka termed the meeting with the Turkish president "very cordial" that lasted almost an hour.

The Turkish president conveyed his greetings to president Abdul Hamid and prime minister Sheikh Hasina and wished their good health..

The Turkish president appreciated the rapid economic development and effective handling of COVID-19 by prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said Turkey will continue assisting Bangladesh on Rohingya issue and they will work in partnership with International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Turkey would send more medical equipment for Bangladesh.

If Bangladesh provides them a list of export items, Turkey will encourage their business houses to increase trade.

Bangladesh thanked the Turkish president for assisting Bangladesh in repairing Frigade in Lebanon, for setting up of hospital for Rohingya, Turkish First Lady's visit, assistance in constructing Embassy complex and also Turkish foreign minister’s presence as special guest in the inauguration programme.

Turkish foreign affairs minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was also present at the meeting.

The Turkish foreign minister will also visit Dhaka to inaugurate the newly built Turkish embassy complex here.

Turkey wants to explore opportunities in agro processing industries, halal meat factory, participate in mega projects - highways, air ports construction. It also wants investment in SEZs, hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.

The Turkish president said there is lot of potentials and two countries should work together and follow up.

He said Turkey is with Bangladesh on climate issues.