The United States government, in partnership with the government of the Philippines, is hosting the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) on May 2.  Government and business leaders from the United States, the Philippines, and countries across the Indo-Pacific will exchange ideas, explore regional government and business partnerships, and discuss commercial opportunities, said the Spokesperson at the US Department of State on Monday. Trump says he warned NATO ally: Spend more on defense or Russia can 'do whatever the hell they want' The IPBF will showcase high-impact private sector investment and government efforts to support market competition, job growth, and high-standard development plus greater prosperity and economic inclusion in the Indo-Pacific. The IPBF advances a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient, said the US. The Indo-Pacific region will shape the trajectory of the global economy in the 21st century.  It is the fastest growing region on the planet, accounting for 60 percent of the world economy and two-thirds of all economic growth over the last five years. US rolls out visa restriction policy on people who misuse spyware to target journalists, activists The United States said it remains a major economic partner in the Indo-Pacific.  US companies continue to be the top source of foreign direct investment in the region with nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments, and roughly the same invested in the United States by firms in the region.  The United States also remains a major trade partner with more than $2 trillion in two-way trade. Biden warns of a 'nightmare' future for the country if Trump should win again, and lists reasons why Exports to the region and investments from the Indo-Pacific support almost 4 million U.S. jobs. "Together with our Philippines co-hosts, we are underscoring our sustained commitment to the region and highlighting the economic ties that have contributed to regional prosperity and interconnectedness," said the Spokesperson.

The United States has urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid violence, and work together to create the conditions for free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner. "So we have been consistent in our message regarding the upcoming elections, and that message remains the same now that the polling day has been announced," Spokesperson at the US Department of State Mathew Miller told reporters in a regular briefing on November 16 (US Time). Bangladesh envoy in Washington meets two members of US Congress He said they want what the Bangladeshi people themselves want: free and fair elections which are conducted in a peaceful manner. "We do not support one political party in Bangladesh; we don’t favor one political party over the other," Miller said. Responding to a question, he said the safety and security of their diplomats overseas is, of course, their top priority. PM Hasina to join 2nd Global South Summit Friday "We take any threats against them very seriously. Violence or threats of violence directed at our diplomatic personnel is unacceptable," Miller said. He said they have repeatedly raised their concerns about the "threatening rhetoric" directed at Ambassador Peter Haas with the Bangladesh government. Bangladesh eager to boost partnership with ASEAN for greater peace, prosperity, stability: Momen Miller reminded that the government of Bangladesh has an obligation under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to ensure the safety and security of U.S. diplomatic missions and personnel. "And we expect them to act on those obligations," he said.

Bangladesh will get some 10.8 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine soon under COVAX facility. These AstraZeneca vaccine doses have been allocated from the COVAX supply, said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday. He said the COVAX programme has not mentioned the source of this supply of AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Bangladesh. The AstraZeneca vaccine doses will arrive soon, Dr Momen said. Bangladesh Ambassador to the US conveyed the development to the Foreign Minister. Bangladesh earlier sought 2 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the US for addressing Bangladesh's immediate needs but the US is yet to reply to that particular request. Read:Bangladesh receives 2nd shipment of medical supplies from US Dr Momen said the US is only giving assurances, and he received a letter from the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday which he says a very good in a sense.

The United States has sought an equal role from Myanmar's all neighbours with "broad and unified voice" so that Rohingyas can get the confidence back to return to their homeland without any fear of further deportation. 

The United States is looking for broader economic engagement with Bangladesh exploring additional ways to deepen the partnership as Bangladesh has made a "big push" for attracting foreign direct investment from major countries, officials said.