Antalya, Nov 11 (V7N)- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that relations between Bangladesh and Turkey have reached a new height during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit, describing him as an important leader in the Muslim world.

During a bilateral meeting, Tarique Rahman called for Turkey's continued support in securing a permanent solution to the Rohingya crisis and ensuring the safe repatriation of the displaced people to Myanmar.

President Erdogan welcomed the Bangladesh prime minister at the Maxx Royal Hotel in Antalya on Tuesday (November 10). Their meeting began at 7:15 pm local time, with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir also present.

Held ahead of the Leaders' Summit of the UN Climate Change Conference, the meeting focused on defence cooperation, expanding trade and investment, the aviation sector and Turkey's support for Rohingya repatriation.

Tarique Rahman stressed the need to deepen and diversify defence cooperation between the two countries, including through expanded collaboration and joint investment in the defence sector.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude for Turkey's continued solidarity with Bangladesh over the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, including its support at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees.

He said Turkey's continued support and active role at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) were crucial to ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya. He called on Ankara to maintain its support for the issue on international platforms.

Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said President Erdogan had described Tarique Rahman as one of Turkey's most important strategic partners.

During the meeting, Tarique Rahman invited President Erdogan and the Turkish First Lady to visit Bangladesh.

Separately, the prime minister's wife, Zubaida Rahman, met Turkish First Lady Emin Erdogan. Their discussion also covered the situation of women affected by climate change in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to address the Leaders' Summit on November 12.

END/SMA/AJ