PM holds courtesy exchanges with world leaders in Antalya

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has exchanged greetings and held brief informal conversations with heads of state and government and senior representatives of international organisations ahead of the opening ceremony of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.

The prime minister arrived at the conference venue at 10:10AM local time on Wednesday (November 11), where he was welcomed by the organisers.

Before the opening ceremony, world leaders gathered at the Leaders Lounge at the conference venue, where they exchanged greetings and discussed issues of mutual interest in an informal setting. Tarique Rahman also joined the interactions and held brief conversations with several leaders.

Among those who met and exchanged greetings with the Bangladesh prime minister were Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The prime minister also exchanged greetings with members of the Indonesian delegation.

Tarique Rahman was accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir.

Heads of state and government, representatives of international organisations and climate experts from various countries are attending this year's COP31. Addressing the global challenges of climate change and strengthening international cooperation are among the key issues on the conference agenda.

According to relevant sources, the prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and courtesy calls with several heads of state and government on the sidelines of the conference.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived in Antalya on Tuesday (November 10) on a three-day visit to attend COP31.

- MaT