Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday (April 05, 2023) said the United States is Bangladesh’s biggest friend, one of the biggest investors and export destinations.
Momen is set to leave for the US on April 7 where he is scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Washington on April 10.
“America is the only country who provided 100 million vaccines for free during the Covid-19 pandemic. They even supported us the most after the Rohingya influx. Other countries have helped us as well. But I’ll express gratitude when I meet him,” Momen said while addressing the media after a comic book unveiling in the capital.
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He said he would visit the US this time as the US Secretary of State has invited him.
“Of course, we’re very lucky to get invited three times in a row,” he said.
When asked what will be discussed in the meeting with the US Secretary of State, Momen said that the Rohingya issue and bilateral trade will come up.
Replying to a question about the US concern regarding democracy in Bangladesh, the foreign minister said: “We fought for democracy. Three million people gave their lives to uphold democracy and human rights. Therefore, we don't need lessons on democracy,” he said.
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“We want a fair election. America also wants a fair election. We don't disagree with that. We have already made necessary institutional arrangements to ensure a free and fair election,” the minister said.
Momen said the US has agreed to scale up the resettlement process for vulnerable Rohingya refugees.
“While many nations have scaled back their financial support for the Rohingya refugees, the US has not done so as of yet. We're also talking to them about a variety of issues. We’re also engaging them on a number of issues,” he said.
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