Departing US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller made a farewell call on Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen on Wednesday (19 January).

They discussed ways and means to further enhance the existing excellent bilateral relations between two friendly nations. 

Foreign Minister Momen thanked the US Ambassador for his proactive works in Bangladesh during his tenure. He specially mentioned the vaccine support Bangladesh has received from the United States. He also appreciated the two country’s close engagements in the climate change issue.

Noting that due to the pandemic situation many in-person interactions between the two Governments could not take place, both sides expressed optimism that a series of dialogues and visits would take place in the coming months. 

Bangladesh Foreign Minister thanked the US Ambassador for facilitating his visit to Washington DC in February 2021, the first visit of any Foreign Minister to the US Capital after the assumption of the Office by the Biden Administration; as well as for facilitating official visits of Bangladesh Armed Forces Service Chiefs to the United States in 2021.

Foreign Minister Momen also briefed Ambassador Miller on the ongoing Union Parishad elections as well as the City Corporation elections in Narayanganj, underscoring the free and fair nature of the elections and high voter turnout. He also stated that Bangladesh would remain open to foreign observers in the next parliamentary elections. 

The two also discussed ways and means for cooperation between two countries in the human rights arena, including through arranging training programs.

The USA is the largest donor for the humanitarian operations for the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. Abdul Momen thanked the country for its cooperation and urged it to participate in humanitarian operations in Bhashan Char in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding inked with the United Nations.  

The US Ambassador stated that his tenure in Bangladesh has been the best one in his career due to the warm hospitality he has received from the Government and the people here. He thanked Foreign Minister Momen and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for all cooperation and support rendered to him.

He reiterated the United State’s strong support for the Rohingya issue not only through humanitarian assistance but also for political settlement through repatriation.

Mr Miller also expressed optimism that his successor would substantially contribute in taking forward the economic cooperation between the two nations further ahead. He also underscored that the US remains willing to remain closely engaged with Bangladesh on human rights related issues, including through regular dialogues. 

At the end, Bangladesh Foreign Minister wished Ambassador Miller good health and happiness in his future and expressed optimism that he would continue working for the enhancement of ties between the two countries. Earlier, the departing US Ambassador also called on Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, and discussed on issues of mutual interest.