Dhaka: On the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman held a bilateral meeting with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov, with a strong focus on enhancing air connectivity between the two countries.
The meeting, held in Antalya, brought renewed attention to the importance of direct and efficient air links to facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact between Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.
Both sides emphasized that improved air connectivity would serve as a key enabler for boosting bilateral economic cooperation, read a press release. They discussed potential avenues to expand flight operations and strengthen aviation ties, recognizing the growing demand for connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia.
In addition to aviation, the two ministers agreed to activate a long-pending joint business council to accelerate trade and investment flows. They also explored opportunities to expand cooperation in the manufacturing sector, with a focus on mutual benefits and technology exchange.
Tourism promotion featured prominently in the discussions, with both countries expressing interest in leveraging improved connectivity to attract more visitors and enhance cultural exchange.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to take concrete steps toward deeper economic engagement, reflecting a broader vision of regional integration and partnership.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum has provided a vital platform for such high-level engagements, enabling countries to advance strategic priorities through dialogue and cooperation.
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