US eyes strategic partnership with BD : Mozena

United States want to conclude strategic partnership with Bangladesh when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be visiting Dhaka, reports UNB. "This is my goal, this is my dream," new US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena said at his maiden press conference at the American Club in the city Thursday afternoon. Asked when Secretary Hillary Clinton will visit Dhaka, he did not mention any timetable, but said that he will work hard and work with the Bangladesh government to make this visit happen. Asked about the strategic partnership, the ambassador said it would create a regular forum to discuss issues like countering terrorism, food security, global climate change, and energy. He said Washington also wants to sign the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which is moving forward, to create a forum for discussing full range of issues relating to trade and investment. Mozena said the Bangladesh government has sent its views to Washington regarding the TIFA and "we like to get it signed.'' About Bangladesh's proposal to have duty-free access to US market, he said it is an issue with the US Congress and it has various domestic implications. "It is on the table,'' the ambassador said, adding that Bangladesh is the second largest RMG exporter to America. Asked about current political debates over the next general elections, Mozena, who made a courtesy call on the Prime Minister Thursday, said the United States supports strong democratic process and democratic institutions. "We hope all key political players will work together to create a productive democratic process for the interest of the people of Bangladesh.'' Asked if US would mediate to resolve the political standoff like that of 2007, he said it is hypothetical. US wants strong democratic process and democratic institutions. . "Democracy is an on going process in America and in Bangladesh. It is not even perfect in America,'' the US ambassador said, adding all political players should join this process. "I have no magic wand. I believe in step by step,'' he told a correspondent. He said Bangladesh is of huge strategic interest to USA because this is a secular, moderate democratic alternative to violent extremism. "This is a model country for others." Asked if he feels corruption a challenge to Bangladesh, Mozena said this is a challenge to everything on this planet as corruption diminishes wellbeing of the people. "We must fight corruption. America is partnering with Bangladesh institutions and civil society to combat it." About the Grameen Bank, he said he shared his experience with the Prime Minister about the micro credit and hoped the process would move expeditiously in selecting a new Managing Director ensuring its effective functioning for the interest of the millions of poor people. Referring to his meetings with the Bangladesh leaders since his arrival as the new Ambassador, Mozena said one theme was consistent throughout all these engagements is that Bangladesh is a nation of critical interest to the United States. He said Bangladesh which is improving relations with its neighbours is a rock of peace and stability in a troubled region. The ambassador praised Bangladesh for playing an enormous role in sustaining peace in the world as the largest contributor to international peacekeeping efforts. He said Bangladesh is also critical to global food security and is a growing trade and investment partner of the United States.