Prof Yunus-Biden meeting to help take Dhaka-Washington ties to new level: Press Secretary

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is holding a meeting with US President Joe Biden (Tuesday morning NY Time) which is seen as a “rare occasion” and will help take the existing good relations to a new level between the two countries.

“This is an important day. It is very rare (to see such a meeting) at the UNGA. We expect it will be a very fruitful meeting,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said ahead of the meeting that began at 11am (NY time).

Alam said Bangladesh maintains very good relations with the US and with this meeting, the relationship will reach a new level, reports UNB.

He said economic cooperation, democratic transition, and Bangladesh’s reform issues are likely to be discussed in the meeting.

“It’s good news that the US stands beside Bangladesh in this period of transition,” he added.

Bangladesh and the US are working on a number of issues closely, including labour sector reforms and Rohingya issues.

The scheduled meeting with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UNGA reflects growing relations between the two countries, Bangladesh said.

This is going to be a one-to-one meeting, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB, confirming the meeting in New York.

It is very significant as no US president has held a bilateral meeting with any Bangladesh head of government in the past decades in New York, the official added.

The meeting is likely to last at least 15 minutes.

It is not usual for a US President to hold bilateral meetings during the UNGA and Dhaka hopes to see a new strategic partnership emerge out of this meeting that will strengthen the ties with the US on all fronts.

Biden is visiting New York City to participate in the 79th session of the UNGA.

In addition to addressing the General Assembly on September 24, President Biden will meet with world leaders to discuss cooperation in tackling threats to international peace and security, advancing global prosperity, and protecting human rights, said Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s travel to New York City.

The US has already affirmed their dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth, institution building, and development to benefit the people of Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US said it stands ready to support those efforts.

This is Prof Yunus’ first visit to the United States as head of the Bangladesh government to attend the 79th UNGA and also first visit abroad since the formation of the interim government on August 8.