Bangladesh-US ties on very positive trajectory; committed to building on achievements: FM

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today (30 July) said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States are moving in a very positive direction, noting that they will build on the achievements they have made so far.

"Our engagement with the US is not limited to one meeting. We remain engaged on all aspects and at all levels, and the relationship is moving forward," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with US Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, held at the State Guest House Padma.

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen were also present at the meeting.

"It was great to meet Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during my first visit to Bangladesh and discuss working together to strengthen the US-Bangladesh relationship. Lots of positive developments," Gor said.

The foreign minister said they held a "very good" and positive discussion covering a wide range of bilateral issues, with both sides expressing commitment to further strengthening relations.

"We had a very good discussion. Our bilateral relations are moving in a very positive direction, and we had positive discussions on how to take them forward," Dr Khalilur said.

Bangladesh and the US discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, energy and migration, while exchanging views on the general direction of future engagement.

"Our relations are moving in a very positive direction. In the future, we will build on the achievements we have made so far," he said.

On energy, the foreign minister said cooperation between the two countries is already underway.

Regarding the Rohingya crisis, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh hopes the United States will continue its support to help resolve the longstanding crisis, while Bangladesh pursues a multilateral approach.

Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh has remained engaged with the United States from the very beginning of the tenure of the current government, stressing that bilateral engagement is continuous and extends well beyond any single meeting.

Responding to a question, he said there was no discussion on the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement or the General Security of Military Information Agreement.

He also said there was no discussion on the Awami League or any proposed economic corridor during the meeting.

Gor began his first official visit to Bangladesh today and will meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his stay in Dhaka.

"I am delighted to welcome my friend, the US Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor, to Bangladesh," said US Ambassador Christensen.

His visit will strengthen Bangladesh-US strategic ties, as well as regional security and economic cooperation, the ambassador said.

Referring to the visit, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur described it as "exploratory," saying the envoy would seek a broader understanding of Bangladesh.

"He will want to understand Bangladesh. He will speak not only with us but also with many other stakeholders," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

Dr Khalilur said Gor is expected to visit the Rohingya camps and noted that the United States remains the largest international contributor to the Rohingya humanitarian response.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh-US relations are multidimensional and that both sides want to advance the partnership further.

Asked whether Bangladesh expected any pressure from Washington regarding the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, he said, "We do not feel any kind of pressure."

"We will never strengthen relations with one country at the expense of another. We seek to strengthen our relations with all countries while protecting and advancing Bangladesh's national interests," Dr Khalilur added.

Gor currently serves as US Ambassador to the Republic of India. Additionally, President Donald J Trump appointed Ambassador Gor as the Special Envoy to South and Central Asia.

Previously, Ambassador Gor was assistant to the president and director of Presidential Personnel at the White House.

Under his leadership as director, thousands of political appointees across the federal government were hired in record time.

Prior to joining the White House, Ambassador Gor, along with Donald Trump Jr, founded Winning Team Publishing, one of the nation's premier conservative publishing houses.

Winning Team Publishing most notably published President Donald J Trump's best-selling books.