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BANGLADESH-US-TALK
Bangladesh seeks US support over vaccine, economy, Rohingya
DHAKA, Oct 14, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh today sought the USA support over accessing potential COVID19 vaccine, recovery from economic fallout caused by the ongoing pandemic and Rohingya repatriation.
“They (the US) assured us (Bangladesh) of taking measures so that US vaccines could be made available in Bangladesh after successful production,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam told reporters after holding a bilateral meeting with his US counterpart Stephen E. Biegun at a city hotel tonight.
US Deputy Secretary of State Biegun arrived here this afternoon on a three-day official visit. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen tomorrow.
Biegun has also assured that he would encourage US companies to invest in Bangladesh, said Shahriar, adding “We have told him about the opportunities to invest in offshore blocks of Bangladesh and he said that it will be encouraging for US energy companies.”
The state minister said the US is also reiterated its commitment to work to resolve the Rohingya crisis.
They intend to engage themselves with Naypyidaw in this efforts after the national election of Myanmar in November, he said.
He said the two sides discussed ways to ensure faster economic recovery for Bangladesh in the post COVID-19 scenario and the US side encouraged for larger discussion on Free Trade Agreement considering Bangladesh’s growing economy.
Bangladesh also sought preferential trade support for its products from US to accelerate the economic recovery during the post Covid-19 era.
The resumption of US Visa issuing service was also discussed during the meeting.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen received the US Deputy Secretary of State upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport from New Delhi, India. Biegun reached here after wrapping up his three-day visit in India.
Biegun will also pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by visiting the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 tomorrow morning.
The US deputy secretary of state will leave here on Friday.
BSS/ASG/TA/RY/11:38hrs