US to bolster security in Indo-Pacific region as threats evolving: Ambassador Haas
The US will bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region as threats are evolving, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas said today, terming the war in Ukraine as a wake-up call.
The goal of defending these ideals is not to keep any country down, but to protect the rights of all countries to choose their path, free from coercion and intimidation, he said while addressing a conference jointly organised by the US Embassy in Dhaka and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) at the university auditorium today.
Haas said the US will seek closer security cooperation with partners to tackle challenges ranging from violent extremism to illegal fishing to human trafficking.
"Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is a wake-up call to the world. These ideals cannot be taken for granted, rather they must be defended," he said, emphasising advancing a free, open, secure and international rules-based Indo-Pacific.
He noted that the US is proud to provide 10 Metal Shark Boats and 10 Defender Class Boats to the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard last year in tackling these challenges.
The US envoy clarified that the US Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) is not a military alliance, nor is it about a contest between a US-centric region or a China-centric region. It is also not designed to make anyone choose between countries.
The Indo-Pacific has become the focus of the world powers for trade and strategic reasons. About 65 percent of the world's energy is transported through this part of the ocean, two-thirds of world GDP is generated in this region.
Haas said climate crisis, global health, the future of technology, whether nations will be free to chart their path are all that run through the Indo-Pacific this century.
He said Bangladesh has set an example to the world by committing to the peaceful resolution of its land and maritime border disputes. Also, Bangladesh is a committed leader in regional cooperation through BIMSTEC, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Saarc, Colombo Plan.
"We will work with Bangladesh and other partners to ensure the region's seas and skies are governed and used according to international law," the envoy also said.
Noting Bangladesh's strong economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit, he said the US is committed to working with Bangladesh to build an attractive investment environment and support US investors to enter new sectors here.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen in a video message said Bangladesh believes in a free and open Indo-Pacific and international rules-based system. Bangladesh is eager to harness the potential of the blue economy, he said seeking the support of all.
Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and Foreign Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury also spoke at the discussion moderated by Tariq Karim, director of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies.
Comments