e-News® | The NEWS Company…DHAKA, May 1, 2015 : Visiting US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman today renewed her government’s commitment to remain engaged in Bangladesh’s development strides in the days ahead as she highly appreciated its impressive socioeconomic development. Wendy Sherman’s assurance came when she called on Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali at the State Guest House Padma here.
The Under Secretary is in Dhaka to participate in the 4th Round of Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue. Sherman thanked the Foreign Minister for his visit to the USA in February this year to participate in the White House Countering Violent Extremism Summit and meeting Secretary Kerry. She stressed the importance of Bangladesh’s continued engagements in the follow-up events of the Summit worldwide to share best practices in this field. Al said that since his meeting with Secretary Kerry, there appears to be a boost in confidence in the relations.
Referring back to Secretary Kerry’s interests to visit Bangladesh during their discussions, the Foreign Minister expressed keenness to receive Secretary Kerry in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time. Regional issues were also featured in the meeting. Ali noted that regional perspectives have added a momentous effect in cementing Bangladesh-US relationship. In this connection, Sherman said, coming straight from Delhi, she had a good impression about the warmth of Bangladesh-India relationship and the value Indian leadership attaches to the friendly relations with Bangladesh.
The issues surrounding Myanmar refugees and its nationals illegally residing in Bangladesh also came up in the discussion. The Foreign Minister noted that although Bangladesh is continuously putting its efforts to strengthen its relations with Myanmar, this issue appears to be a hindrance in the expected level of developments. He appreciated the US position on the issue, particularly President Obama’s clear statement during his last visit to Myanmar that the solution to this problem lies within Myanmar and its leadership should resolve the nationality issues of the Rohingyas. In this connection, Sherman acknowledged Bangladesh’s enormous contribution to providing shelters and generous hospitality to Myanmar refugees.
The Foreign Minister also urged the Under Secretary to extend necessary support to repatriate the convicted killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who has made US a safe haven. He requested the Under Secretary to expedite signing the extradition treaty with Bangladesh. Sherman took note of the Foreign Minister’s request and informed that the US Department of Justice is working on it.
