PM, Chinese Vice President hold bilateral talks on COP31 sidelines

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkiye, as the two sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation.

The discussions focused on Chinese investment in Bangladesh and joint efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change, with both sides giving priority to issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders met at the conference venue at 4:30 pm local time today. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was present at the meeting.

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

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of COP31, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, address the impacts of climate change and expand mutual cooperation.

Earlier, in the morning, he joined the World Leaders' Summit of COP31 at the Antalya Exhibition Centre, arriving at the venue at 10:10 am local time, where he was welcomed by the organisers.

Before the opening session, Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings and pleasantries with heads of state and government and senior representatives of international organisations at the Leaders' Lounge. He also held brief, informal discussions with world leaders on issues of mutual interest.

In the evening, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend 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 will address a plenary session on November 12. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings and pay courtesy calls on several world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

On Tuesday, a day before the summit opened, he held a meeting with President Erdogan and discussed ways to strengthen Bangladesh-Turkiye ties. Dr Khalilur Rahman and Humaiun Kobir were present during the meeting.

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