Dhaka: US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor, concluded his inaugural three-day visit to Bangladesh, underscoring Washington's commitment to bolstering strategic and economic ties and supporting efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the US Embassy in Dhaka issued a statement highlighting the extensive nature of the US-Bangladesh relationship following Gor's visit from July 30 to August 1. The visit included meetings with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, as well as a tour of the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, reflecting the expanding scope of engagement between the two nations.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Gor discussed various topics of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, trade, investment, and regional cooperation. The envoy emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and the broader partnership with Bangladesh, a priority for Washington.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought continued US investment in key sectors such as warehousing, soybean, cotton, wheat, and information technology, highlighting the potential for a stronger and more competitive supply chain. The discussions also covered expanding cooperation through the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with Gor assuring positive US engagements in Bangladesh.
Gor informed the Prime Minister about the interest of US investors in organizing a US Investors Summit in Bangladesh soon, an initiative he is personally working to facilitate. The upcoming visit of a delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council was also discussed.
Further discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at resuming inspection activities in Bangladesh were held. Gor praised Tarique Rahman's leadership and noted the stabilization in Bangladesh, resulting in the US lowering its travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, which indicates increased confidence in Bangladesh's security environment and sends a positive signal to US investors.
During his visit to Cox's Bazar, Gor acknowledged Bangladesh's efforts in hosting over a million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals and providing humanitarian assistance. He called for a swift, sustainable, and political resolution to the Rohingya crisis through coordinated efforts involving ASEAN, neighboring countries, and other stakeholders.
The Bangladesh premier expressed gratitude to Washington for its significant contribution to international humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas. In earlier discussions with the foreign minister, both parties expressed a desire to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, migration, and regional affairs, describing bilateral relations as moving in a "very positive direction."
The US Embassy reiterated that Gor's visit underscored the enduring partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh across political, economic, and regional spectrums.