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6 years ago

US terms BD regional anchor for stability

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The United Sates says Bangladesh is an anchor for stability and prosperity in the region.

US Under Secretary Thomas A Shannon made the remarks during the sixth US-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue at State Guesthouse Padma in Dhaka on Sunday.

"We appreciate the government's commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region," Shannon said.

According to him, the US counts Bangladesh as a 'close and reliable' partner in its endeavours towards free trade, sustainable development, the rule of law and universal values of democracy and human rights.

Trade and prosperity agenda, security in the Indian Ocean region, combating transnational terrorist groups, approach to North Korea's 'dangerous and provocative' conduct and the Rohingya crisis have got priority in the dialogue.

"This annual dialogue is an important opportunity to discuss our cooperation on global and regional matters of concern to both of our countries," he told a joint briefing at State Guesthouse Padma after dialogue.

He said this dialogue demonstrates that the United States and Bangladesh collaborate on a vision for a tolerant, democratic Bangladesh that serves as a bridge for commerce between South and Southeast Asia.

US Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson delivered a major policy speech for the Indian Ocean region last month, he said.

According to UNB, the conversations in the partnership dialogue centred on those same principles and ideals Tillerson outlined, such as responsible growth and counterterrorism cooperation.

Earlier in the working group discussion of the dialogue, both sides discussed issues related to trade and investment, security cooperation, development and governance, and forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in detail.

Bangladesh side proposed to the US side three MoUs related to agriculture, education and exchanges between Foreign Service Academy or Institute of the two countries.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees and Migration Simon Henshaw participated along with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat and senior officials of the US Embassy in Dhaka.

The 7thPartnership Dialogue will take place in Washington DC next year.

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