Dhaka: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will embark on an official two-day visit to Bangladesh starting Friday, following an invitation from Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, according to diplomatic sources. This visit will mark Fidan's inaugural trip to Bangladesh, where he is anticipated to meet with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and engage in discussions with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan's itinerary includes a visit to refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, which currently host over 1 million Rohingya Muslims who have fled the civil conflict in Myanmar. The Turkish Foreign Minister is scheduled to review humanitarian assistance projects spearheaded by various Turkish organizations including the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation, and Turkey's Health Ministry. Furthermore, he will visit the Turkish Field Hospital operating within the camps.
During his meetings, Fidan is expected to extend his congratulations to Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. The discussions will focus on the enduring and deep-rooted ties between Turkey and Bangladesh, with Fidan expressing satisfaction over the continued momentum in bilateral relations under Bangladesh's new government, which assumed office in February.
Fidan is also set to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as trade, defense, energy, education, culture, science, and health, while reaffirming the mutual goal of increasing the bilateral trade volume from $1.35 billion in 2025 to $2 billion. He will reiterate Turkey's commitment to keeping the Rohingya issue at the forefront of the global agenda, highlighting Ankara's extensive humanitarian contributions since the crisis began, including support in healthcare, education, shelter, food, and infrastructure.
Fidan is expected to underscore Turkey's ongoing commitment to assistance efforts, and emphasize Bangladesh's strategic importance for stability, peace, and security in South Asia, citing its strategic location and positive regional role. Additionally, he will highlight the significance of Turkey's cooperation with Bangladesh on multilateral platforms, particularly within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Developing Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation.
The visit will also provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange perspectives on regional and global issues, including recent developments in the Middle East, Iran, and South Asia. Notably, Bangladesh's new government took office following general elections on February 12, and Turkey was represented at the swearing-in ceremony by Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Berris Ekinci.
Turkish humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya Muslims has surpassed $80 million, with ongoing support in refugee camps through projects in healthcare, shelter, education, and infrastructure led by Turkish institutions such as TIKA, AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent, and the Turkish Diyanet Foundation. The Turkish Field Hospital in Cox's Bazar, established in 2018, continues to provide medical services to approximately 1,000 patients daily, employing 85 staff members, including 30 Turkish and 55 local personnel. Additionally, Turkish non-governmental organizations conduct various humanitarian aid programs for Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis, such as food parcel distribution, iftar meals during Ramadan, and animal sacrifice campaigns during Eid al-Adha.