From trade to defence: Dhaka and Ankara seek to recast strategic ties

Bangladesh and Turkey will hold their fourth Foreign Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka on October 7, aiming to deepen political, economic, and defence ties as both countries move to strengthen their strategic partnership.

The meeting, the first in more than five years, will take place at the State Guest House Padma, signalling renewed diplomatic engagement following Bangladesh’s political transition in August 2024. 

It also makes Turkey the third country, after India and Pakistan, to hold top-tier bilateral talks with Bangladesh’s interim government.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will lead the Bangladeshi delegation, while Deputy Foreign Minister A Beris Ekinci will represent Turkey. 

Ekinci arrives in Dhaka on October 6 for a two-day visit and is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.

Diplomatic sources say discussions will focus on three key areas: strengthening political coordination, boosting trade and investment, and advancing defence cooperation from collaboration to a strategic partnership.

Bilateral trade currently stands at around $1 billion, with Bangladesh seeking to expand exports of textiles, pharmaceuticals, jute goods, and agro-products. Dhaka is also expected to invite Turkish investment in energy, logistics, and technology.

Defence collaboration is likely to feature prominently, following a series of high-level visits this year. 

In January, Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat visited Dhaka to explore joint defence production. 

Later, at the Anatolia Diplomacy Forum and during Defence Industry Agency chief Haluk Gorgun’s visit, Ankara reiterated support for Bangladesh’s local defence manufacturing ambitions.

Ekinci is also expected to meet leaders from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party, reflecting Ankara’s bid to build broad-based political goodwill in Dhaka.

The talks will also cover regional connectivity, energy cooperation, and coordination in multilateral forums such as the UN and OIC.

An inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Secretary Nazrul Islam last month finalised Dhaka’s agenda, ensuring a unified government approach to the high-stakes dialogue.