Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler on Tuesday engaged in a significant dialogue covering defence cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and regional security. The discussions took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat, with both leaders emphasizing their dedication to enhancing the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
According to United News of Bangladesh, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin reported that the Prime Minister reminisced about the US-led Operation Sea Angel, which was a pivotal response to the catastrophic 1991 cyclone in Bangladesh. He expressed appreciation for the enduring collaboration between the two nations in terms of humanitarian efforts and disaster management. Admiral Koehler acknowledged Bangladesh’s active role in multiple bilateral and multilateral naval exercises, noting the upcoming Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise scheduled to occur in Bangladesh in November.
Admiral Koehler also mentioned Bangladesh’s involvement in the Sea Vision Exercise in Singapore and expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s continued participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and related training initiatives in the future. Discussions during the meeting also addressed the progress on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the mutual understanding regarding the proposed agreement between Bangladesh and the United States.
The Bangladesh delegation underscored the significance of its relationship with the United States, expressing eagerness to enhance bilateral ties through broader and more forward-looking cooperation. Admiral Koehler highlighted the numerous opportunities for collaboration between Bangladesh and the United States, expressing confidence that the relationship between the two countries will grow stronger. He also commended Bangladesh’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa.
The Prime Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to global peace. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Director General of the North America Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other senior officials.