US Congressman Joe Wilson, co-chair of the Bangladesh caucus in Congress, has praised Bangladesh's impressive economic progress, saying Washington is looking forward to expanding trade and creating job opportunities for people of both countries.
Wilson, a congressman elected from South Carolina, was speaking as chief guest at a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington on Thursday evening to celebrate the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and the US.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address.
Elizabeth Horst, principal deputy assistant secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asia, State Department, and Brian Luti, director for South Asia Regional Affairs, National Security Council, White House, spoke at the event as guests of honour. Former congressman Jim Moran also spoke on the occasion.
While appreciating Bangladesh's economic development, Wilson mentioned the country's strides in moving towards a trillion-dollar economy and achievements in reducing poverty.
Bangladesh is an important country in South Asia and its people are hard working, Wilson said, adding that he introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that week commending Bangladesh for hosting over a million Rohingyas.
Ambassador Imran welcomed the guests at the reception and extended sincere thanks to Congressman Wilson for his encouraging remarks about Bangladesh-US relations and Bangladesh's socioeconomic development.
Turning to Bangladesh's impressive socioeconomic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the ambassador said the government has been working towards economic growth by creating equal opportunities for all and ensuring an inclusive society.
The ambassador expressed gratitude to the US for its continued support and humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas.
Elizabeth Horst, in her remarks, said in the last five decades, Bangladesh and the US have built a robust and broad partnership and that it is anchored by a shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful and democratic Bangladesh.
Brian Luti said the United States recognizes, respects and supports Bangladesh's guiding principle - friendship to all and malice to none.
The US simultaneously respects Bangladesh's national security and sovereignty, as well as international laws and principles enunciated by the UN charter, he said.
Alternate Executive Director of World Bank Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, ambassadors of Malaysia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Sudan as well as diplomats of different countries, senior officials of the US government, academicians, and members of the civil society joined the reception.
On the occasion, traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts were displayed and Bangladeshi foods were served to the guests.
