United States assistant secretary of state for south and central Asian affairs Paul Kapur Thursday held wrap-up talks in Dhaka as Washington seeks to deepen engagement with the new government of Bangladesh.
He held talks on the day with Bangladesh prime minister's foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir at the prime minister's office in Tejgaon. The meeting took place when Kapur paid a courtesy call on Kabir, foreign adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said a spokesperson for the PMO.
According to officials, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States, with both sides exchanging views on regional cooperation, trade and investment, development partnerships and other issues of mutual interest.
Kabir focused on the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries and expressed the hope that ties would "grow stronger and more multidimensional" in the years ahead.
He emphasised the importance of expanding economic cooperation, increasing bilateral trade and encouraging joint initiatives across key development sectors.
The adviser noted that deeper economic engagement could play an important role in supporting Bangladesh's development ambitions, particularly through increased investment and collaboration in emerging sectors.
The US foreign office functionary reaffirmed Washington's interest in advancing relations with Bangladesh and said the United States was keen to expand cooperation in a range of areas.
Kapur pointed to the potential for broader engagement in economic development, regional stability and global challenges that affect both countries.
Diplomatic observers say Kapur's visit reflects Washington's renewed effort to engage with Dhaka following the formation of the new government, particularly at a time when geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific is intensifying and Bangladesh's economic and strategic importance is growing.
A high-level US delegation, including the American ambassador in Bangladesh, accompanied Kapur during the meeting.
Officials described the talks as cordial and constructive, with both sides expressing optimism that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
