Strong US-Bangla ties his goal
Says new US envoy; meets PM
The newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan W Mozena speaks to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a courtesy call at the Prime Minister's Office in the city yesterday. Photo: PMO
US Ambassador to Dhaka Dan W Mozena yesterday said he aims for a strong strategic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. “This is my goal, this is my dream,” the ambassador told journalists at his maiden press conference at the American Club in the capital's Gulshan. Earlier in the day, he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. During the meeting, Mozena said his country would provide all-out support in building a prosperous, democratic and peaceful Bangladesh, reports UNB. Elaborating on the strategic partnership issue at the press conference, the new US envoy said it would be aimed at creating a forum to discuss issues like counter-terrorism, food security, climate change and energy. In reply to a query, he said Washington looks to sign a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) with Dhaka to set up a platform for discussing all issues related to trade and investment. Mozena said Bangladesh has a huge strategic importance to the US because it is a moderate democratic Muslim country. “This is a model country for others.” About Grameen Bank, he said it is a unique organisation. “Today, I shared my experience with the prime minister about microcredit and Grameen Bank.” He hoped the process to select a new managing director for Grameen would be expedited; someone who can ensure dynamism in the organisation's activities would be appointed to the post. Asked about the political stalemate over the next general election, Mozena said, “We hope all key political players will work together to create a productive democratic process in the interest of the people of Bangladesh.”
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