New US envoy to work for stronger ties with BD

Stephens Bloom Bernicat said Thursday she would work with everyone in the government  to make relations with Bangladesh 'stronger', reports UNB.
"We've such a deep and broad relationship. I've a direct mandate to make it even stronger," she told reporters at the foreign ministry after holding nearly an hour-long meeting with Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque.
The US diplomat said she is so proud that Bangladesh and the United States are 'true partners' in almost any endeavour they think of.
She also described the US ties with Bangladesh in all areas, including health, education and in countering terrorism, just an 'amazing partnership.'
Bernicat also said she had an 'exceptionally warm' meeting with the foreign secretary and looking forward to working with the foreign office.
The US envoy, in her first appearance before the press, however, did not take any question and hoped she would soon meet the press formally.
Talking to the reporters, the foreign secretary said the meeting was just a courtesy one and introductory one.
Responding to a question, he said: "She (US envoy) told me that she would work with the government very closely."
The foreign secretary also said the new US Ambassador expressed her willingness to take the current relations to a newer height.
Bernicat, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, arrived in Dhaka on January 25. Most recently she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State, a position she held since 2012.
Bernicat also said she is proud to be here in Bangladesh and have been able to submit her credentials to the President.