Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had meetings with the heads of state and government of seven countries, including Türkiye, Iran and Pakistan, during four working days in New York alongside his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The seven leaders included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said the Prime Minister held the meetings with the leaders alongside his participation in the UNGA.

“During these meetings, they discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, expand trade and business and exchanged views on various international issues,” he said.

Tarique Rahman also had separate meetings with Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud and Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard.

During the meetings, they discussed bilateral relations, trade and investment, manpower, economic cooperation and various regional and international issues.

The Prime Minister also held meetings with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, World Bank President Ajay Banga, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar Julie Bishop, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, International Peace Institute President and CEO Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman.

Bangladesh’s economy, investment prospects and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar featured prominently in these meetings, with discussions also focusing on possible ways to advance cooperation.

During his stay in New York, Tarique Rahman attended four high-level events on the Rohingya crisis, the existential threat faced by coastal countries due to sea-level rise, climate action and a just transition, and integrating midwifery into primary healthcare to prevent maternal and newborn deaths.

He also attended a breakfast meeting with Wall Street representatives hosted by JPMorgan Chase, where he discussed Bangladesh’s economy, investment prospects and trade and financial sector opportunities.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir were present at the event.

Tarique Rahman and his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman also attended a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump for heads of state and government attending the UNGA and a breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for world leaders and their spouses.