BD, US focus on trade, regional coop
Bangladesh and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions during US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Ambassador Sergio Gor’s visit focusing on trade, investment, energy, migration and regional cooperation.
The understanding emerged after Ambassador Gor held talks with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the State Guest House Padma on Thursday as part of his two day visit to Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Dr Khalilur Rahman described the discussions as “very good” and said both sides explored ways to build on the already strong bilateral relationship.
“We have an excellent relationship between our two countries and discussed how to take it further.
Our relationship is moving in a very positive direction, and we will continue to build upon the progress achieved so far,” the foreign minister said.
He noted that the meeting followed his earlier interaction with Ambassador Gor in Manila last week, where he also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing recent diplomatic engagements as signs of growing momentum in Bangladesh-US ties.
Responding to questions from journalists, Dr Khalilur said the meeting covered a broad range of issues, including trade, investment, energy cooperation and migration.
“We discussed various aspects of the Bangladesh-US relationship. Trade, investment, energy and migration were among the issues discussed. We also discussed the general way forward,” he said.
The foreign minister said no discussions took place on Bangladesh’s relations with China or India, adding that there was no indication of any US concern over Dhaka’s ties with other regional countries.
“There was no discussion on that subject at all,” he said when asked about regional security and Bangladesh’s relations with China and India.
He also clarified that there were no discussions on defence cooperation, the Indo-Pacific strategy, the International Crimes Tribunal, or political issues relating to the Awami League.
On energy cooperation, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh and the United States already have an energy memorandum of understanding and that Dhaka continues to seek international cooperation to address its energy needs, including gas exploration.
“We are seeking cooperation from countries around the world and are in discussions with all of them,” he said, adding that production sharing contracts were not discussed during the meeting.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh informed the US side that both the national flag carrier and private Bangladeshi companies were purchasing Boeing aircraft, reflecting expanding commercial engagement between the two countries.
On the Rohingya issue, he acknowledged the United States as Bangladesh’s largest humanitarian partner, saying more than half of the international assistance for the displaced Myanmar nationals comes from Washington.
While no discussions were held on increasing pressure on Myanmar, he said Bangladesh expects continued US humanitarian support and broader international cooperation under the country’s multilateral approach to resolving the crisis.
Dr Khalilur also highlighted recent developments in bilateral trade, explaining that Bangladesh’s tariff rate under the latest US trade measures had been reduced to 10 per cent following legal and policy changes in Washington.
He said Bangladesh had also secured a preferential tariff quota arrangement for garments produced using American cotton and man-made fibres, describing it as a significant gain for the country’s export sector.
According to the foreign minister, the facility is available only to Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and one other ASEAN country.
Asked about sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion, Dr Khalilur said Bangladesh continues to engage the United States through various channels on the issue, although it was not discussed during Thursday’s meeting.
Responding to questions about emerging technologies and global competition over artificial intelligence, the foreign minister said the issue was discussed only in a broader geopolitical context.
After the meeting Gor tweeted: “It was great to meet Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman during my first visit to Bangladesh and discuss working together to strengthen the US-Bangladesh relationship. Lots of positive developments.”
Earlier, in a tweet, he wrote that he is looking forward to productive meetings over the next two days.
Welcoming the envoy, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen described the visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations.
“I am delighted to welcome to Bangladesh my friend, the U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor. His visit will strengthen U.S.-Bangladesh strategic ties and regional security and economic cooperation,” Ambassador Christensen said in a statement shared on social media.
