Washington pledges to strengthen cooperation with Dhaka

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On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen reiterated his commitment to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh in the economic, energy and security sectors at the National Day program organized in Dhaka. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was present as the chief guest in the event.

Ambassador Christensen said the United States and Bangladesh are advancing a mutually beneficial partnership through expanding trade, investment, aviation and energy cooperation.

Referring to the recently signed ‘Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)’, he said, this agreement will help Bangladesh maintain access to the US market through competitive tariff benefits and at the same time promote balanced trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The US ambassador said the agreement reflects a ‘common sense’ pragmatic diplomatic approach where both countries identify areas of mutual benefit while protecting the interests of their people.

Regarding cooperation in the aviation sector, Christensen mentioned the aircraft agreement recently signed between Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines. He said that this partnership will play a role in the modernization of Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector through aircraft supply, pilot training and technical development.

Ambassador Christensen also mentioned the recently signed memorandum of understanding on Bangladesh-US strategic energy cooperation. He said that this agreement will help Bangladesh’s energy projects, industrial development and diversification of energy sources.

The ambassador said, “The United States is a reliable partner in meeting Bangladesh’s energy needs.” He also said that the United States is working closely with Bangladesh on health security issues, including measles vaccination programs and emergency response programs.

Highlighting the history of the independence of the United States, Christensen said that the principles of freedom, self-government and democratic governance contained in the Declaration of Independence of 1776 still inspire people around the world.

Quoting US President Donald Trump, the ambassador said, “With a single piece of parchment paper and 56 signatures, America embarked on the greatest political journey in human history.”

The Ambassador also announced various public engagement programs on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. These include the launch of 50 red-white-blue themed rickshaws in Gulshan and Banani, setting up of the ‘American Founders Museum’ at Centerpoint Mall and organizing ‘America Week’ road shows in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Sylhet in July.

In this regard, Christensen said, these arrangements reflect the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and the United States and reaffirm Washington’s commitment to strengthen bilateral partnership in the future.