Bangladesh a rising star in South Asia under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership: Turkish foreign minister
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu today lauded Bangladesh's progress, saying that the country has become a "rising star" in South Asia under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He made the remarks at a joint briefing with his Bangladesh counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen at state guesthouse Padma after their bilateral talks.
The Turkish foreign minister said the Rohingya issue has become a huge burden for Bangladesh and assured Dhaka of Ankara's continuous support to resolve the crisis.
The Rohingyas must return to their homeland in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner, he said.
He supported the efforts of Bangladesh government to give Rohingyas better living conditions by relocating them to Bhasan Char until the repatriation takes place.
He suggested the government of Bangladesh to work closely with the United Nations and its agencies in this regard.
The Turkish foreign minister sought stronger support from the international community in terms of burden-sharing, not just with appreciative words but also with concrete steps.
"We don't want to hear only words," he said, emphasising visible action in terms of burden-sharing.
Turkey's firm position is that the Rohingyas should be able to go back to their homes. "Until they return, they deserve better living conditions."
Earlier, Bangladesh and Turkish foreign ministers discussed bilateral and regional issues, including Rohingya situation, as the two countries are keen to open a new chapter in their relations with an emphasis on stronger trade and investment relations.
The two foreign ministers met briefly at the same venue prior to the bilateral meeting.
Cavusoglu arrived here on Tuesday night.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen received Cavusoglu at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan was also present.
The Turkish foreign minister started the day with visiting Bangabandhu Memorial Museum today where he paid tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Cavusoglu had a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before his meeting with Momen.
Both the ministers will join the formal inauguration of the new Chancery Complex of the Turkish Embassy in Baridhara in the afternoon.
The Turkish foreign minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka after that by a private jet.