While attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and the top leaders of Turkey, Bhutan, and Maldives. These meetings included discussions on Bangladesh's development priorities, economic progress, bilateral relations, and various aspects of future cooperation.
Local time on Tuesday at the UN headquarters, the Prime Minister met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. The meeting covered Bangladesh's development priorities, ongoing economic progress, and issues of mutual interest. The two leaders also exchanged views on further strengthening World Bank cooperation in Bangladesh's development activities and expanding new areas of partnership.
Following the meeting, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told reporters that the World Bank has agreed to assist Bangladesh in overcoming the external shocks to its economy caused by disruptions in oil and gas supply and supply chains.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York. The meeting took place on Tuesday evening local time at the Turkish House near the UN headquarters.
The discussions focused on further strengthening and multidimensionalizing the historical and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Turkey. The two leaders also exchanged views on the potential for expanding existing cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, and investment.
Additionally, emphasis was placed on maintaining close cooperation and coordination between the two countries on various important regional and international issues.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, the Prime Minister also held separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldivian Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef.
These meetings emphasized further consolidating the existing friendly relations among Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives. Beyond issues of mutual interest, the leaders discussed expanding areas of regional and international cooperation and the potential for enhancing bilateral partnerships for the welfare of their peoples.
Earlier on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. local time, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the opening ceremony of the 81st General Assembly session at the North Delegates Lounge of the UN headquarters. He was accompanied by his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the President of the UN General Assembly and Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Khalilur Rahman, with speeches delivered by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. This year's session highlights issues such as climate change, resolution of global conflicts, achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, and international economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his spouse Zubaida Rahman also attended a banquet hosted by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in honor of world leaders. The banquet was held on Tuesday night at the Lotte New York Palace hotel in New York. Earlier, they also participated in a breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
