Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the United States ambassador to Dhaka Brent T Christensen discussed easing trade barriers and strengthening development cooperation during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Saturday.
The US envoy called on the foreign minister in what officials described as a courtesy meeting
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on facilitating trade, removing barriers to commerce and expanding development cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.
Diplomatic sources said the timing of the meeting drew attention in political circles given its proximity to the prime minister’s China visit, though officials described it as routine in nature.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir also termed the meeting a standard diplomatic engagement.
After the meeting, while leaving, the US ambassador told journalists that he had come to seek support for the United States in the football World Cup.
He said the United States had secured a place in the knockout stage following a strong victory over Australia the previous night. “So I came here to request the foreign minister and all Bangladeshis to support the United States in the upcoming matches,” he said.
Praising Bangladesh’s passion for football, the ambassador added that backing the United States in the long run would never be a wrong decision.
