Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Bangladesh and USA on Thursday held their first ever dialogue on a host of security issues including counterterrorism, disaster management, maritime security and UN peacekeeping operations.
Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes inaugurated the day-long dialogue held at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic studies (BIISS) in the capital Dhaka.
In his statement the Foreign Secretary referred to Bangladesh-US relations as a partnership characterized by convergence of values, aspirations and an expanding scope of cooperation.
He pointed to the space for dissonance in such a partnership while pursuing greater convergence.
Additional Foreign Secretary Mustafa Kamal led the Bangladesh side while Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew J. Shapiro led the 11-member US delegation to the dialogue.
US Ambassador Dan Mozena also attended the event. The Bangladesh delegation was composed of representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, Armed Forces Division and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the dialogue, a substantive and friendly exchange of views took place that reflected the current engagement between the two countries in counterterrorism, disaster management, maritime security and peacekeeping operations as well as shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity of the region, a foreign ministry statement said.
Describing Bangladesh as an important partner of the US in dealing with many traditional and nontraditional security threats, Shaprio stressed the strategic importance of Bangladesh for America.
The dialogue concluded with the hope to further strengthen bilateral cooperation on a wider range of security issues and enhance partnership in the UN peacekeeping, counterterrorism, disaster management and other areas of common interests.
BBN/SSR/AD-19Apr12-9:00 pm (BST)
