By Elishya Perera
DHAKA, Bangladesh (CWBN)_Turkey, a producer of world-class military equipment, is willing to sell weapons to Bangladesh, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.
During a meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momen in Dhaka yesterday (Dec 23), Cavusoglu noted that Turkey is willing to sell weapons to Bangladesh, without many conditions on sales.
However, Momen noted that while Bangladesh wants to diversify its sources of defence purchase, however, no prompt response was given to the proposition made by Turkey. “We don’t buy much defence equipment. If needed, we may consider the issue, but nothing concrete was discussed,” he said.
The Bangladeshi Minister noted that Dhaka is more interested in trade and investment cooperation with Turkey instead.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina echoed these views as Cavusoglu called on her at her official residence in Dhaka. According to the PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher, PM Hasina pointed out that Bangladesh offers a lucrative market, as a country situated at the centre of South and South-East Asia, and sought more Turkish investment in the country’s special economic zones.
The visiting minister assured the Prime Minister of Turkey’s interest to bolster relations between the two countries, and expressed willingness to do whatever it takes to strengthen bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Turkey.
Cavusoglu also welcomed PM Hasina’s invitation for the Turkish president to visit Bangladesh, and noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might visit Dhaka for the golden jubilee month on Bangladesh in March next year, if the COVID-19 situation improves.
During the call, the Turkish foreign minister also addressed the issue of the Rohingya refugees, noting that these refugees must return to their homeland in a safe, voluntary and dignified manner and assured Ankara’s continuous support to resolve the crisis.
Cavusoglu applauded Bangladesh’s progress, identifying the country as a model of sustainable development and a rising star in South Asia. He congratulated Bangladesh for its successful battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, under the leadership of PM Hasina.
