Bangladesh and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral partnership across various areas of mutual interest between the two countries.
The discussion was held when State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur at the Department of State on Monday, according to a message issued by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues relating to bilateral cooperation and shared interests, underscoring the importance of deepening Bangladesh-US engagement in multiple sectors.
They reiterated their commitment to advancing the longstanding partnership between the two countries through enhanced cooperation and constructive engagement.
Bangladesh and the United States (US) have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their partnership across various areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, defence, the Rohingya crisis, Indo-Pacific and people-to-people contacts.
They also underscored the importance of regular high-level dialogues to maintain momentum in the growing relationship.
The state minister paid a brief visit to Washington, D.C. on May 18.
During her visit she met senior US government officials at the Department of State and senior leadership of International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Atlantic Council, said the Bangladesh Mission in Washington.
She met Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Andrew Veprek at the bureau's office.
During this meeting, the state minister thanked the US government for their continued support to the Rohingya cause.
Both the state minister and the Assistant Secretary (PRM) agreed to work together to ensure the sustainable and safe return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
Apart from the meetings with the senior U.S. government officials, Shama Obaed met with the President of the International Republican Institute (IRI) Dr. Daniel Twining at the IRI headquarters in Washington, DC.
The state minister appreciated the IRI's longstanding partnership in supporting Bangladesh's democratic development.
She commended IRI's election observation delegation for its constructive role in promoting transparent and credible elections in Bangladesh.
