World leaders hail Tarique Rahman as 'transformative leader'

Addressing a press conference at the Bangladesh Pavilion on Wednesday evening (11 November) during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, the State Minister shared details of the Prime Minister's extensive diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the summit. He noted that during courtesy calls and bilateral meetings, heads of state and government consistently referred to the Prime Minister as a "transformative leader," recognizing his democratic mandate to guide the nation's 180 to 200 million people.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the opening and plenary sessions of the COP31 World Leaders Climate Action Summit. Throughout the event, he held formal bilateral talks with the President of Uzbekistan and the Vice President of China, alongside hosting courtesy meetings with a wide array of global dignitaries.

During these engagements, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with the Presidents of Brazil, Maldives, Iran, Syria, and Somalia; the Prime Ministers of Moldova, Pakistan, and Kuwait; the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); the Mayor of London; and the President of the Zero Waste Foundation. World leaders extended their congratulations on Bangladesh's democratic transition and expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman invited the President of Brazil to visit Bangladesh, while the President of Maldives expressed a desire to visit Dhaka soon. The President of Syria sought Bangladesh's support in skilled manpower, investment, and national reconstruction, while discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister focused on regional stability, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and mutual interests.

In his meeting with the OIC Secretary-General, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian crisis. Furthermore, the meeting with the Mayor of London was arranged following the Mayor's keen interest in meeting the Prime Minister, given his long standing stay in London.

In talks with the President of Uzbekistan, both sides discussed launching direct flights, simplifying visa procedures, and enhancing economic ties. The President of Uzbekistan invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the country, an invitation he accepted for a mutually convenient time next year.

Meeting with the Vice President of China, the Prime Minister emphasized expanding Chinese investments in energy, heavy industry, job creation, and infrastructure, specifically highlighting potential projects such as floating storage regasification units (FSRUs). The discussion also covered trilateral economic corridor prospects involving Bangladesh, China, and Myanmar, alongside seeking Beijing’s active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis through sustainable multilateral initiatives.

Reflecting on the Prime Minister’s earlier meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Humayun Kabir noted that both leaders discussed Bangladesh's potential role in fostering peace across the Muslim world.

He highlighted that Bangladesh stands ready to contribute its extensive experience in United Nations peacekeeping operations toward establishing peace across the region, keeping national interests at the forefront.