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Dhaka poised to talk whole gamut of ties with Donald Lu

US official likely to arrive on May 14

Published : Sunday, 12 May, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 163
Diplomatic Correspondent
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu is likely to arrive in Dhaka on May 14 as part of his tri-nation tour of the region, following his visit to India, Sri Lanka.

"Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu will travel to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh May 10-15. His trip will strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate U.S.support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," the US State Department has said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said, all elements of the mutual relations - political, economic and even security issues will be discussed.

 "We have many mechanisms, platforms and dialogues with them (US). Talks will be to explore how all these can be reactivated and what the mechanisms we can take to move forward," said the Foreign Secretary.

As per schedule, Lu will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to discuss U.S.-Bangladesh cooperation, including on addressing the climate crisis and deepening economic ties, the State Department said.

Diplomatic sources said that Dhaka will strengthen relations with Washington and discuss the future during the tour.

"The US assistant secretary is likely to discuss bilateral issues with Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen apart from his courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and PMs adviser Salman F Rahman," an official said After the January 7 national election, the US in a statement on January 8 said, "Looking ahead, the United States remains committed to partnering with Bangladesh to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, to supporting human rights and civil society in Bangladesh, and to deepening our people-to-people and economic ties."

As per schedule, in Chennai, Lu will meet with Consulate personnel to bolster bilateral engagement in southern India. He will then travel to Colombo to engage with officials from across the political spectrum and deepen the United States partnership with Sri Lanka. In his meetings, he will reaffirm the United States support for Sri Lankas economic recovery, as well as the importance of a robust civil society as a cornerstone of a free and democratic society, the State Department said.

"All have been attracted by our stability, economic prosperity and other socioeconomic development. They are showing greater interest," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said told the media ahead of US official Donald Lus visit to Bangladesh.

 "The pre-election scenario and the current scenario are totally different. A new government has been formed. A stable government is carrying forward its activities engaging with various countries. All countries think of engaging with Bangladesh," Masud Momen said.  

He said there is no reason to think that only Rohingya issue will be discussed.

Asked about the pre-election discomfort, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh did never feel discomfort. They might have felt that.

"From our side, there was no discomfort before the elections, and still we do not have any discomfort," he said.

In February this year, Eileen Laubacher, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC); Michael Schiffer, USAID Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Asia; and Afreen Akhter, US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh.

"There is willingness from both sides. Together, we want to create a new chapter in our relations," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with the US delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Its a pleasure for us to talk about our shared priorities and ways for us to cooperating together in the future," Eileen Laubacher told reporters in her very brief remarks.

Earlier, FM Hasan Mahmud said the relations with the US remain "excellent," and the two countries are working closely to further improve the ties.

"In the future, we will continue to work closely, and the relations will be deepened," he added.



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