Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently met with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abdul Momen.
Blinken noted the two countries have cultivated a solid relationship during the past 50 years, according to a release of his remarks before the meeting. Momen echoed the sentiment, saying he looks forward to the future growth of the relationship.
"We’re committed to continuing to work together, to find ways to strengthen and deepen the relationship, to address as well economic development and human rights," Blinken said in his remarks.
The United States has had a friendly and cooperative relationship with Bangladesh since the country gained independence in 1971. According to a Department of State fact sheet, the two countries have worked together on a range of issues, including economic development, security cooperation and climate change.
The U.S. provided significant development assistance to Bangladesh, and the two countries collaborate on security issues such as counterterrorism and counter-narcotics efforts, the fact sheet reported. However, the U.S. government has expressed concerns about human rights abuses in Bangladesh, including restrictions on freedom of expression and the press and the treatment of minority groups.
In recent years, the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship has been focused on expanding economic cooperation, with both countries seeking to increase trade and investment, according to the fact sheet. The U.S. is one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners, and the two countries have worked to expand bilateral trade and investment ties.
Additionally, the U.S. and Bangladesh are working together to address climate change, a pressing issue for both countries, the fact sheet said. The U.S. government has provided funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in Bangladesh, and the two countries have collaborated on initiatives such as the U.S.-Bangladesh Partnership Dialogue on Climate Services.
Overall, the U.S. and Bangladesh continue to have a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship, according to the fact sheet.
"Bangladesh and USA has a multifaceted, dynamic and wide-ranging relationship," Momen said in his remarks before the meeting. "And over the last 50 years we have done really well, and we look forward to future 50 years."
