State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam expressed optimism that the upcoming visit of US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor would further deepen Bangladesh-US relations and open up new areas of cooperation. "The relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has always been good, and that relationship is getting stronger under the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gor is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on July 30 for a three-day visit.
Advance Cooperation
Shama made the remarks while responding to a question regarding Gor's visit. "We believe that any high-level US visit will further deepen relations between Bangladesh and the United States. We hope that our multidimensional relations will move forward through this visit," she said. The state minister said Bangladesh and the United States maintain multidimensional relations and Dhaka wants to further advance cooperation in areas including trade, economic diplomacy and people-to-people contacts.
Potential New Areas
She expressed hope that these issues, alongside potential new areas of cooperation, would feature prominently in discussions during Gor's visit. During his stay, Gor is expected to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and exchange views with political leaders, professionals and representatives of civil society.
Background of Gor
Gor currently serves as US Ambassador to India and was additionally appointed by US President Donald J. Trump as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. Previously, he served as Assistant to the President and Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House.
Recent Discussions
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Sergio Gor were also present at the meeting, where the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen Bangladesh-US bilateral relations.
