Desk Report:
Ahead of the opening session of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), Prime Minister of Bangladesh Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings and pleasantries with various heads of state and government, as well as representatives of international organizations.
The interactions took place in a cordial atmosphere at the Leaders’ Lounge of the conference venue in Antalya, Turkey, on Wednesday (November 11). During these encounters, the leaders engaged in informal discussions on various matters of mutual interest.
Among those who exchanged greetings with the Prime Minister were the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed; Mayor of London Sadiq Khan; Prime Minister of Moldova Vasile Tofan; President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari; President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian; President of Syria Ahmed al-Shara; Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani; and the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
Additionally, the Prime Minister exchanged pleasantries with Samed Agirbas, President of the Zero Waste Foundation, as well as members of the Indonesian delegation.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the COP31 venue at 10:10 AM local time on Wednesday, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the event organizers.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver a statement on behalf of Bangladesh at the conference on November 12. His participation is considered significant for addressing the impacts of climate change, strengthening international cooperation, and articulating Bangladesh’s climate-related interests and positions.
In addition to his participation in the conference, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings and courtesy calls with various heads of state and government. These discussions are likely to focus on issues of mutual interest and various aspects of bilateral cooperation.
It should be noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Antalya, Turkey, last Tuesday (November 10) for a three-day official visit. He is accompanied on this trip by his spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman.
