I speak of clear facts
The relations between Bangladesh and the USA will reach a new height in the coming days to the mutual benefit of the two countries, outgoing US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena has said.
“I am pleased that America's partnership with Bangladesh is today broader, deeper, and stronger than ever. Literally the partnership goes from strength to strength with each passing day,” he said.
Mozena spoke at a discussion titled “America-Bangladesh Relations: Economic and Social Perspective” organised by the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshis in Dhaka yesterday.
Bangladesh is a country of deep strategic importance to America, the diplomat said, adding the relations between the two nations will strengthen further.
“Some of you may be surprised by my words. Some of you may think that I am merely chanting diplomatic niceties. Not so. I speak of facts -- clear facts. Our partnership truly strengthens each day, to the benefit of the people of both countries,” Mozena said.
“Perhaps, some of you are curious about my assertion, given press reports that you might have seen recently,” he added.
Mozena's comments came at a time when many people, including a BNP leader, said the relations between Bangladesh and the USA will be affected seriously by disparaging remarks of LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Syed Ashraful Islam on Mozena and Nisha Desai Biswal, US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs. Biswal has recently visited Bangladesh.
He thanked the people, civil society and Bangladesh government and Bangladeshi-American diaspora for making his tenure of more than three years in Bangladesh as the ambassador “so rich and rewarding”.
“In just a week, the final curtain will come down on both my ambassadorship in Bangladesh and my 33-year foreign service career,” the envoy said.
“My heart is heavy as I contemplate my imminent departure from wonderful Bangladesh. I hope that I can find some way to stay engaged by continuing to tell the story of this great nation.”
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