Bangladesh welcomes US envoy for talks on security and economic cooperation

U.S. special envoy Sergio Gor began his first official visit to Bangladesh on Thursday, with officials saying the trip would focus on strategic relations, regional security and economic cooperation.

“I am delighted to welcome to Bangladesh my friend, the U.S. special envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor,” U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman described the visit as exploratory and said Gor would meet government officials and other stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of the country. Gor is also expected to visit Rohingya refugee camps.

Rahman said the United States remains the largest international contributor to the Rohingya humanitarian response.

Asked whether Washington was pressuring Bangladesh over the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, Rahman said, “We do not feel any kind of pressure.”

He said Bangladesh would expand relations with all countries while protecting its national interests.