.jpg )
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said his country is committed to expanding ties with Bangladesh so that both nations can thrive together.
"Both of our countries emerged after intense struggles for independence and we both strive to live up to our founding democratic ideals," he said in a message marking Bangladesh's Independence Day and National Day on March 26.
Over the last five decades, their continued cooperation is ensuring a safer and more prosperous future – now and for generations to come – Blinken said.
The US secretary of state applauded Bangladesh's impressive economic and developmental achievements and the country's commitment to keeping the world safe as the largest contributor to peacekeeping operations.
"Our defence, developmental, commercial and people-to-people partnership is stronger than ever," Blinken said, adding that they will build upon that foundation for the coming decades.
On behalf of the US government, Blinken warmly congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the 51st anniversary of its independence.