Dhaka, Ankara vow to fight terrorism

Bangladesh and Turkey yesterday renewed pledges to work closely in different international forums to maintain world peace and security as well as combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
During a bilateral meeting with the visiting Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also sought Turkish support to Bangladesh's candidature as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2016-17.
After the official talks at her office, Hasina said the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere that covered entire gamut of bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries.
On the outcome of the talks, Hasina said both Bangladesh and Turkey agreed to increase bilateral trade volume to at least three billion dollars by 2015.
Mentioning Bangladesh's existing congenial business atmosphere, she called upon Erdogan to encourage Turkish investors to invest in various sectors like infrastructure, energy, river dredging, ICT, tourism, textile and agro-based industries.
Hasina told Erdogan that Bangladesh is a good destination for relocating Turkish Ready Made Garment factories and other industries to make their exportable products more competitive in the world market.
About promoting bilateral trade, she sought initiatives from Turkey to facilitate banking transactions and easing of different barriers for expansion of Bangladeshi exports to its market.
During the meeting, Hasina requested her Turkish counterpart to accept European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) instead of Turkish GMP in giving access to Bangladeshi pharmaceuticals to Turkish market.
"I can assure you that our pharmaceuticals products are among the best in the world. The products are being exported to 73 countries including the European Union," she said and hoped that Turkey would accept the EU GMP certificate.
She expressed the hope that the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkey in various sectors, including defense, education and health would continue to grow in strength in the future.
Referring to the opening of Turkish Airlines flights next month, Hasina also expressed the hope that it would help increase interaction between Bangladesh and Turkey and facilitate trade between the two countries.
After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad told journalists that during the talks, the Turkish PM invited Sheikh Hasina in his country. The premier accepted the invitation saying that she will visit Turkey in a convenient time.
Later in his statement, the Turkish PM expressed his country's support to Bangladesh so that it can turn into a middle-income country by 2021.
Erdogan expressed his satisfaction over Bangladesh's continued socio-economic development saying it has proved the present government's commitment to the well being of its people.
He specially appreciated Bangladesh's advancement in strengthening democracy, rule of law, human rights situation, gender equality and empowerment of people.
Referring to $644 million trades between the two countries from January to August this year, Erdogan said Bangladesh has many potential areas where Turkey can cooperate.
Mentioning the excellent bilateral relations exist between Bangladesh and Turkey, Erdogan hoped that the relation would be further enhanced with the expansion of trade and business between the two countries and continued cooperation in different international forums.
Besides, he also expressed his country's willingness to enhance cooperation in education sector.
Finance Minister A M A Muhith, Commerce Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Finance and Planning Adviser to the PM Moshiur Rahman, Adviser for Energy Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury were, among others, present.
Turkish PM leaves for home Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his spouse Emine Erdogan were given a hearty send off yesterday afternoon when they left for home after a two-day official visit to Bangladesh.
This was the second high-level tour by a Turkish leader after the visit of its President Abdullah Gul in February this year.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Commerce Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan and Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh M Vakur Erkul as well as high civil and military officials were present at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to see off the Turkish premier.