3rd Bangladesh-US partnership talks end  

Bangladesh and the United States have recognized the importance of the relationship between the two countries and look forward to further broadening, deepening, and strengthening the Dhaka-Washington partnership, said the joint statement issued upon the completion of the two-day long third Bangladesh-US Partnership dialogue at the state department. Foreign secretary Shahidul Haque led the Bangladesh side to the dialogue while the US side was headed by under secretary of state for political affairs Wendy Sherman.

The two delegation leaders highlighted the robust and growing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States and affirmed that the relationship is based on shared values and common goals of the two countries and their peoples.

bd-us-flag1They recognized that the Partnership Dialogue, established in 2012, presents an opportunity for the two moderate and pluralistic nations to engage in fruitful discussions towards a broader and deeper relationship.

Working Group discussions on Tuesday covered the full range of bilateral and regional topics of interest, including development and governance, trade and investment, and security cooperation.

During a plenary session on Wednesday, the co-chairs, Shahidul Haque and Wendy Sherman, reviewed progress by their delegations and identified areas for deepened cooperation on bilateral, regional and international priorities, including sustainable development, counterterrorism, migration, and climate change.

The United States and Bangladesh recognized the ongoing threat presented by the Ebola virus and have decided to work together to strengthen the capacity for response within Bangladesh.

The two sides agreed to schedule a visit by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali to the United States at the earliest opportunity.

Following the second Partnership Dialogue in Dhaka in May 2013, Bangladesh and the United States have demonstrated their shared commitment to broadening and deepening their partnership, including through the signing of multiple agreements in November 2013.

The security cooperation between the two countries also grew over the past 17 months.

The United States has actively supported Bangladesh’s work to promote workers’ safety and labor rights, with particular emphasis on the garment sector.

-The Independent


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