Tarique exchanges greetings with world leaders at COP31

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged greetings and pleasantries with heads of state and government and senior representatives of international orgnizations ahead of the opening ceremony of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. World leaders gathered at the Leaders' Lounge at the conference venue, where they engaged in brief, informal conversations on issues of mutual interest.

The prime minister arrived at the conference venue at 10:10 a.m. local time on Wednesday (11 November 2026), where he was warmly welcomed by the organizers.

His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir were also present.

Before the opening ceremony of the climate summit, heads of state and government and representatives of various international organizations gathered at the Leaders' Lounge. They exchanged greetings and pleasantries in a cordial atmosphere. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also participated in the informal interactions, exchanging greetings and engaging in brief conversations with several world leaders.

Among those who met and exchanged greetings with the prime minister were Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, Pakistani 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 and pleasantries with members of the Indonesian delegation.

Heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, and climate experts from various countries are participating in COP31. Addressing the global challenges posed by climate change and strengthening international cooperation are among the key priorities of this year's summit.

On the sidelines of the conference, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and courtesy calls with the heads of state and government of several countries.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday for a three-day visit. His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, is accompanying him during the trip.