Staff Reporter: Congressman Joe Wilson, the Co-Chair of Bangladesh Caucus at the US Congress, has praised Bangladesh’s tremendous economic progress and said that the United States is looking forward to expanding trade ties and creating job opportunities for the people of both the countries.
Mr Wilson, a Congressman elected from South Carolina, was speaking as the chief guest at a reception hosted by Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Thursday (July 20) evening to celebrate the long standing partnership between Bangladesh and the USA.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran delivered the welcome address.
Ms Elizabeth Horst, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asia, State Department, and Mr Brian Luti, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs, the National Security Council, the White House, spoke at the event as the Guests of Honour. Former Congressman Mr Jim Moran also addressed it.
Congressman Wilson said it’s a great opportunity for the association of the United States for mutual benefits for the people of both Bangladesh and the USA.
While appreciating Bangladesh’s tremendous economic development, Joe Wilson mentioned the country’s strides to move towards a trillion dollar economy, and achievement in reduction of poverty.
Bangladesh is an important country of South Asia and its people are hard working, Mr Wilson said and added that he introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives this week commending Bangladesh for providing safety for the Rohingyas.
In his welcome address, Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran welcomed the guests at the reception and extended sincere thanks to Congressman Joe Wilson for his encouraging remarks about Bangladesh-US relations and Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development.
Turning to Bangladesh’s impressive socioeconomic transformation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Ambassador said the government has been working towards economic growth by creating equal opportunities for all and realizing an inclusive society.
Ambassador Imran expressed sincere gratitude to the USA for its continued support and the humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas temporarily sheltered in Bangladesh.
Ms Elizabeth Horst, in her remarks, said in the last five decades, Bangladesh and the USA have built a robust and broad partnership and the partnership is anchored by our shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful and democratic Bangladesh.
Mr Brian Luti, Director for South Asia Regional Affairs, the National Security Council, 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 and State Department, academicians and members of the civil society joined the reception.
On the occasion, traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts were displayed and the traditional Bangladeshi foods were served for the guests.
BP/SM
