President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the United States to simplify its visa processing procedures for Bangladeshi tourists and businesspeople to strengthen people-to-people contact and expand trade ties between the two countries.
He made the call on Wednesday when US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christenen paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.
During the meeting, the US envoy congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office as the President of Bangladesh.
Recalling previous US investment and cooperation in Bangladesh’s agricultural development, the President called for greater American investment and support in the country’s development sectors.
He highlighted Chevron’s investment and significant contribution to Bangladesh’s energy sector, and urged increased US investment in energy, information technology, infrastructure, healthcare and high-tech industries.
The President also sought US cooperation in ensuring the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland.
Thanking the US ambassador, Mirza Fakhrul said the United States is one of Bangladesh’s key development partners and that existing trade relations between the two countries are contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s economic progress.
On foreign policy, the President said Bangladesh gives the highest priority to independence, sovereignty, national interest, mutual respect and equality in its international relations.
He expressed hope that bilateral relations and trade cooperation with the United States would further expand in the future based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Referring to the recent bilateral trade agreements with the US, the President described them as an important step towards strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
“There is scope to make the agreement more balanced and mutually beneficial by considering the economic realities and interests of both countries,” he said.
The US ambassador assured that Washington would continue its cooperation with Bangladesh and stressed the importance of strengthening ties with ASEAN countries.
He also reiterated the US interest in further deepening and diversifying relations with Bangladesh.
The President’s Military Secretary, Press Secretary and senior officials were present during the meeting.
