Türkiye has expressed interest in sending a team of health experts to Bangladesh to share its experience in addressing climate-related health risks faced by women, particularly those living in coastal and marginalised communities.

The proposal came during a meeting between Dr Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan, who also chairs the Zero Waste Foundation, on the sidelines of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya.

The two sides discussed potential cooperation in several areas, including women's and children's health, climate change adaptation, renewable energy, waste management and the promotion of environmentally friendly products.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam disclosed the details at a press conference on Tuesday at the Conference Room of the Papillon Zeugma Relaxury Hotel in Antalya.

Describing the meeting as highly fruitful, Shama Obaed said it took place on the first day of the Bangladesh delegation's participation in COP31.

She said Emine Erdoğan praised the resilience and capacity of the people of Bangladesh in facing the adverse effects of climate change.

The Turkish First Lady expressed particular interest in sharing Türkiye's experience in addressing health problems faced by women in climate-vulnerable areas.

According to the state minister, Emine Erdoğan proposed sending a team of experts to Bangladesh to work with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The two countries would exchange expertise on addressing climate-induced health risks among marginalised women, particularly in coastal regions, and improving maternal healthcare.

Shama Obaed said Dr Zubaida highlighted the challenges faced by women and children due to climate change, including health risks and internal displacement. She also emphasised women's empowerment and the need to protect women's health.

The meeting also explored cooperation in renewable energy, including solar power and waste-to-energy initiatives. Emine Erdoğan expressed interest in working with Bangladesh on environmentally friendly projects and sustainable energy production.

The two sides also discussed expanding the international market for Bangladeshi jute products, particularly biodegradable alternatives to plastic. The Turkish First Lady showed particular interest in promoting these products in Türkiye and other international markets.

Dr Zubaida also briefed Emine Erdoğan on various government initiatives under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership to build an environmentally sustainable Bangladesh, including tree plantation programmes and the 'Amar Khal Khanon' (digging my canal) initiative.

Praising the initiatives, Emine Erdoğan said there were significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in renewable energy, jute-based products, women's empowerment and climate change adaptation.

The Rohingya crisis also featured in the discussions, Shama Obaed said.

She recalled that Emine Erdoğan visited Bangladesh and the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar in 2017, following the mass displacement of Rohingyas from Myanmar.

The state minister said Türkiye had been providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas for a long time. She added that both sides emphasised that safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to Myanmar remained the only sustainable solution to the crisis.

Until repatriation becomes possible, the meeting stressed the need to ensure healthcare, education and other basic rights for the refugees. Emine Erdoğan assured Bangladesh of Türkiye's continued cooperation and support.

Shama Obaed also said Dr Zubaida invited the Turkish First Lady to visit Bangladesh. Recalling her previous visit in 2017, Emine Erdoğan expressed interest in returning to the country and hoped to make the trip at a convenient time soon.