PM seeks Australian investment, cooperation on Rohingya repatriation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday sought Australia's cooperation in expanding investment in Bangladesh and ensuring the safe repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, as he held a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.

The meeting took place at 10:30am local time on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, said Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Hasan Shiplu.

He said the two leaders discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including addressing the impacts of climate change, expanding Australian investment in Bangladesh and the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland.

Tarique Rahman stressed the need to prioritise developing and particularly vulnerable countries in tackling climate change. During the talks, he praised Australia's leadership role in the ongoing COP31 negotiation process.

Highlighting investment prospects, the prime minister said Bangladesh currently offers opportunities for foreign investment. The two leaders also discussed the development of the agriculture sector.

On the Rohingya crisis, Tarique sought Australia's support in ensuring the safe return of the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh to their homeland, Myanmar. He urged Australia to further strengthen its diplomatic efforts toward this end.

"The Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar, and its lasting solution also lies in Myanmar," the prime minister said.

He also presented Bangladesh's renewable energy plans, saying the government has taken initiatives to meet 20% of the country's total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.

Tarique also outlined various steps taken by the government to protect the environment and tackle the impacts of climate change, including planting 250 million trees across the country and digging canals.

Both leaders invited each other to visit their countries. Albanese expressed hope of visiting Bangladesh next year at a convenient time, while Tarique expressed hope of visiting Australia at a convenient time.

Tarique arrived in Antalya on Tuesday on a three-day official visit. 

On Thursday, he addressed the High-Level Segment of COP31, calling for five urgent actions to protect climate-vulnerable countries.

On the sidelines of the conference, the prime minister has so far held bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, discussing ways to strengthen ties, boost investment and address the impacts of climate change.

He also held courtesy calls with several other world leaders and heads of international organisations.