Bangladesh-US relations
Setting a unique example of diplomatic nicety, US President Joe Biden wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that he was confident regarding further strengthening of the Dhaka-Washington partnership for the next 50 years and beyond. He appreciated the drive, resourcefulness, and innovation of Bangladeshis in rebuilding after the 1971 War of Independence, and that the nation is charting a path of economic growth and development, which he believes serves as a model for the rest of the world.
President Biden further mentioned that the two countries strongly believe in the ideals of democracy, equality, and respect for human rights, climate crisis, helping the Rohingya survivors of genocide and supporting UN peacekeeping worldwide.
We welcome the good gesture of President Biden for such an uplifting letter on the occasion of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Such appreciation of the achievements will surely inspire Bangladesh.
The content of the US president's letter reverberated in the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC. The cordiality on the US's part was articulated well when he said that the two countries were looking forward to strengthening their partnership. He further said that even as the US thinks back on those 50 years, the country is looking ahead to the start of the next 50 years, and the work that can be done together to strengthen the bilateral partnership.
We appreciate the fact that the US has given due recognition to Bangladesh as a leader in rallying other countries to deal with the climate crisis going on across the planet.
Secretary Blinken was candid in mentioning that the US was grateful that Bangladesh is showing extraordinary humanity and generosity in hosting nearly one million Rohingyas who had to flee persecution in Myanmar. At the same time, he appreciated Bangladesh's work as one of the strongest supporters of UN peacekeeping missions.
The US is our biggest trading partner, with most of its investment made in the energy sector. Time has come for the diversification of US investment in newer areas, like renewable energy, ICT, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and so on. We can say with confidence that Bangladesh is now ready with necessary infrastructure to welcome more US investment, as well as joint ventures with big US companies of repute.
We believe the US administration appreciates our foreign policy of friendship to all with malice to none. As a superpower, the US has views and perceptions that may differ with ours. It is imperative that we have cordial relations with all our neighbours, including India and China, which is boosting our socioeconomic conditions on mutually beneficial terms. While we pursue a policy of respect and neutrality towards our friends, we also remain non-interfering in the foreign policy of other countries.
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