Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake will arrive in Dhaka on Saturday for a two-day official visit to Bangladesh.

“This is his first visit to Bangladesh as Assistant Secretary,” a U.S. embassy press statement said in the capital, Dhaka on Thursday.

The U.S. envoy will meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, Home Affairs Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun and opposition leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

“In each of these meetings, the Assistant Secretary will discuss new opportunities for cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh,” the statement added.

He will also meet with parliamentarians, business people, and members of the civil society.

BNN/SS/SI/AD-11June09-3:10 pm (BST)