US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Afreen Akhter on Saturday said the United States is committed to regional and multilateral efforts that help advance prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
"We want to see this regional architecture grow and solidify, because we believe it is absolutely necessary in realizing the potential of this region," she said while speaking at the 6th Indian Ocean Conference that ended on May 13.
As she heads back to Washington, Afreen said, she takes the perspectives with her, noting that "Your voices will guide our efforts to help build a prosperous, peaceful, free and open Indian Ocean Region."
Next month, the United States will attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Strategic Dialogue—where IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners will gather to discuss collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region.
"Collectively addressing the climate crisis will be a key priority for us as an IORA Dialogue Partner," Afreen said.
Afreen said in Bangladesh the United States is implementing a $17 million, program over five years that will expand Bangladesh’s access to affordable clean energy and support innovation in the clean energy economy.
In addition, the United States is working with the Maldives, Sri Lanka and partners across the Indian Ocean region to stop the flow of plastic pollution, develop climate smart agriculture and adapt to the effects of climate change.
The United States is also supporting resilience and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region by responding to crises and making long-term investments.
The United States is committed to the Indian Ocean region, she said, adding thst from the Strait of Malacca to the Arabian Sea, this strategically important region is filled with promise and opportunity.
"We are already working across the Indian Ocean region to support transitions to clean energy," she said.
For instance, U.S. Development Finance Corporation invested $500 million in First Solar to boost solar power production in India.