Ministry of Foreign Affairs-

Text size A A A

Color C C C C

Last updated: 16th February 2023

Press Release

Derek Chollet, Counselor to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken passed a busy day in Dhaka

Dhaka, 15 February 2023:

A Seven-member inter-agency US delegation led by Mr. Derek Chollet, Counselor to the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP and the Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Ambassador Masud Bin Momen today. They also called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Her residence this morning.

During the meetings, they discussed a wide range of bilateral and other issues of mutual interest including the Rohingya situation, Ukraine crisis, Trade and Investment and Rights related matters. Mr. Chollet appreciated Bangladesh for generously hosting more than a million Rohingyas and assured continued US humanitarian support and actions. The US side expressed their commitment to support the ongoing criminal justice mechanisms in international courts. Bangladesh thanked the US for its support and requested them to strengthen their humanitarian initiatives to Bhashan Char. Bangladesh sought US’s support for earliest sustainable solution to Rohingya crisis and their repatriation.

Regarding Russia-Ukraine conflict, Bangladesh reiterated its position on resolving any disputes through peaceful means and asked for immediate end of the war. Bangladesh has called upon the US to take effective measures to resolve the economic crisis originated from the global food and oil crisis and the increased living cost due to the reciprocal trade sanctions. Mr. Chollet informed that the US has already started working to solve the food crisis. In addition, the US has expressed Bangladesh’s support towards international initiatives to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Acknowledging improvement in RAB’s performance, the US side emphasized on sustained reforms. Foreign Minister highlighted that RAB is a key force in law enforcement and earned people’s confidence and trust over the years. He sought US support towards their capacity building. Drawing attention to Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in the socio-economic sector, Foreign Minister suggested the US take advantage of Bangladesh’s liberal investment policy by investing in the designated special economic zones. In addition, press freedom, national election and other issues were discussed during the meetings.

The Secretary (West) Ambassador Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury and other Senior Officials of the Foreign Ministry were present during the meetings from the Bangladesh side. The U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, Counselor for USAID Administrator Clinton White, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of U.S. Department of State, South Central Asia Bureau Elizabeth Horst and Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack were present from the US side.

2023-02-15

Download