Dhaka, June 6 -- Bangladesh and Turkiye on Saturday reached an understanding to form ministerial-level joint committees to strengthen cooperation in defence and political areas.

The understanding came when visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, said a release issued by the PM's Press Wing.

During the meeting, the two sides also agreed to hold annual meetings between the foreign ministers of the two countries in order to further deepen strategic relations.

The Prime Minister thanked Turkiye for its continued support to Bangladesh, particularly for backing its candidate for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly session.

The P...