Bangladesh and Turkey have announced the establishment of a joint ministerial-level mechanism aimed at enhancing cooperation in defence and foreign affairs. This decision was made during a meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is currently visiting Dhaka. The new committee will focus on fostering collaboration in key areas such as defence, foreign policy, and regional security. Additionally, both nations agreed to hold annual consultations involving their respective foreign and defence ministries to further solidify their strategic ties. Fidan emphasized that this visit represents a significant step towards upgrading the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. Discussions also encompassed critical issues such as the Rohingya refugee crisis, climate change, and trade and investment opportunities. Prime Minister Rahman expressed gratitude for Turkey's support on the international stage, particularly regarding Bangladesh's candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, he extended an invitation to President Erdoğan for a future visit to Bangladesh. Fidan's trip to Bangladesh is part of a wider tour of East and South Asia, with Bangladesh being the fourth country on his itinerary.