US-Bangladesh Strengthen Ties: Kapur Meets FM, Discusses Trade & Rohingya

US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur met with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka to strengthen bilateral relations. The discussions covered enhanced economic engagement and the implementation of a reciprocal trade agreement. The US side congratulated Bangladesh on its recent elections and the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Both officials also exchanged views on regional issues, including the Rohingya crisis and the need for restraint in the Middle East.

Key Points: US-Bangladesh Talks: Kapur Meets FM, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties

  • Reaffirmed commitment to stronger bilateral ties
  • Discussed economic cooperation & trade agreement
  • US congratulated Bangladesh's new government
  • Exchanged views on Rohingya & Middle East
2 min read

US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur meet Bangladesh Foreign Minister

US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur meets Bangladesh FM Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka. Talks cover bilateral trade, Rohingya crisis, Middle East, and US congratulates new govt.

"expressed happiness at the peaceful, free and festive general election - Paul Kapur"

Dhaka, March 4

The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapur, met with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today during his two-day visit to Dhaka.

During the discussion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, including economic engagements, based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Rahman emphasised the 'Bangladesh First' policy of the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He further highlighted Bangladesh's approach to maintaining robust relations with regional and global partners to promote national interests and shared prosperity.

"Assistant Secretary Kapur expressed happiness at the peaceful, free and festive general election in Bangladesh and felicitated the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the assumption of its responsibilities. He also mentioned the congratulatory letter of US President Donald Trump addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed the confidence that the ties between two countries will grow stronger in the coming days," the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Assistant Secretary Kapur also underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the agreement on Reciprocal Trade to foster greater bilateral trade and investment. The Foreign Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic domain", it added.

The recent escalation in the Middle East came up during the exchange. The Foreign Minister stressed the need for exercising restraint by all parties and urged early resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means in order to minimise loss of life and prevent further destabilisation in the region and beyond.

The two sides also discussed the Rohingya issue. The Foreign Minister thanked the United States for its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and sought sustained international support for a durable solution to the crisis.

Both sides expressed optimism that regular high-level

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Good to see the US engaging constructively. The mention of the Rohingya issue is crucial. Sustained international pressure is needed for a lasting solution. Bangladesh has shouldered a huge burden.
R
Rohit P
"Bangladesh First" policy sounds interesting. As a neighbour, we hope their partnerships, including with the US, are balanced and don't create unnecessary geopolitical friction in South Asia. Our ties with Dhaka are vital.
P
Priyanka N
The US congratulating the new government is standard diplomacy, but we must read between the lines. The real test is in the economic follow-through on that trade agreement. Hope it benefits the common people there.
M
Michael C
A respectful note: while the talks seem productive, the article feels like a government press release. It would be good to have more independent reporting on what specific trade barriers were discussed or any differences in approach on the Middle East.
K
Kavya N
Stability in Bangladesh is good for our North-East states. Increased US investment there could actually create opportunities for cross-border economic zones. The call for restraint in the Middle East is sensible – that conflict affects us all through oil prices.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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