Bangladesh, U.S. discuss cooperation on defense, IPS, maritime security

DHAKA, Bangladesh – On Monday, the United States and Bangladesh discussed defense cooperation, the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), development cooperation, maritime safety and security, law enforcement capacity building, and cyber security.

The two sides also discussed various bilateral issues of mutual interest and priority, particularly in humanitarian assistance, Rohingya repatriation, and resettlement.

Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, US Senior Director for South Asia on the National Security Council, met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the State guesthouse Padma in the afternoon and discussed issues of mutual interest.

Laubacher praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s courageous decision to admit and shelter over one million forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals fleeing genocide.

The Foreign Secretary praised the US government for supporting United Nations resolutions concerning the Rohingya population and recognizing the genocide.

On Sunday, a US delegation visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.

The delegation toured the facilities in the Rohingya camps, including educational and cultural programs.