Dhaka: Eric Geelan, Political and Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of the United States of America in Dhaka, today called on Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector between the two nations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Geelan was accompanied by Joseph Boski, Economic Officer of the US Embassy. During the meeting, both sides engaged in cordial and constructive discussions about enhancing energy sector cooperation. The talks involved exploring the scope of energy partnerships, the potential signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and enhancing mutual business cooperation.
The discussions also delved into broadening and deepening energy sector cooperation, particularly in the areas of LNG and LPG. These topics were examined in detail to facilitate greater clarity and understanding for both parties. The possibility of formalising bilateral cooperation through an MoU was a focal point, with both sides expressing interest in identifying priority areas for collaboration.
Additionally, the meeting addressed ways to encourage greater participation of US businesses in Bangladesh's energy sector and promote government-to-government (G2G) cooperation, especially in light of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to the United States. Both parties candidly discussed existing challenges to bilateral energy cooperation and shared views on practical measures and potential roadmaps to address these concerns, aiming for greater mutual benefit and enhanced energy security for Bangladesh.
The Energy Minister expressed the need for further meetings with potential parties to discuss issues in detail and advance the process. He reaffirmed the Government of Bangladesh's commitment to strengthening energy partnerships with the United States and welcomed continued engagement on matters of mutual interest.
Geelan thanked the Minister for the productive discussion and expressed the US Embassy's continued interest in supporting the development of Bangladesh's energy sector. Senior officials from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources also attended the meeting.