Erdogan makes phone call to Prof Yunus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a phone call to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday, congratulating him on his assumption as the head of the Interim Government.

During the call, President Erdogan condoled the loss of valuable lives in the flood-affected areas of Bangladesh, the chief adviser's press wing said.

He said Turkey would provide humanitarian aid to the flood-stricken people.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus thanked the Turkish president, who is a long-time friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace laureate.

He said he and Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan are members of a high-profile UN zero-waste forum.

He called for increased trade with Turkey and said Bangladesh would need Turkish investment in key sectors, including manufacturing, in which Turkey is a formidable global power.

President Erdogan said he would soon send a high powered delegation to Bangladesh in their efforts to help rebuild the country.

He invited the Chief Adviser to visit Turkey.

Prof Yunus accepted the offer, saying he would visit the country at a convenient time.

The Chief Adviser also invited President Erdogan to visit Bangladesh. He also accepted the offer. -BSS