Bangladesh, China discuss climate cooperation at COP31

Dhaka and Beijing have discussed joint efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change at a meeting between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday.

The discussion took place when the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, officials said.

They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries, with special focus on more Chinese investment in Bangladesh.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was present at the meeting.

The Prime Minister is on a three-day official visit to Türkiye to attend COP31, where he is scheduled to deliver his speech at the plenary session of the World Leaders' Summit on Thursday.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, address the impacts of climate change, and expand mutual cooperation.

Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the Bangladesh Pavilion at the conference site, where he toured an exhibition of eco-friendly jute products and watched presentations on Bangladesh's initiatives for environmental conservation.

In the morning, he joined the World Leaders' Summit of COP31 at the Antalya Exhibition Centre, where the organizers welcomed him.

Before the opening session, Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings and pleasantries with heads of state and government and senior representatives of international organizations at the Leaders' Lounge. He also held brief, informal discussions with leaders from different countries on issues of mutual interest, state-run BSS news agency reported from Antalya.

In the evening, the Prime Minister attended a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in honour of the world leaders.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend a Zero Waste Roundtable meeting.

He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and pay courtesy calls on several other world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

On Tuesday, on his landing in Antalya, the Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting with President Erdogan and discussed ways to strengthen Bangladesh-Türkiye ties.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to return home on Friday.