Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet Admiral Stephen T. Koehler has praised Bangladesh’s contribution to global peacekeeping missions, particularly its role in United Nations operations in Africa.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka on Thursday, the two sides discussed humanitarian assistance, disaster management, naval cooperation and ways to strengthen Bangladesh-US relations, according to officials.

The meeting also highlighted Bangladesh’s participation in international naval exercises, with Admiral Koehler noting that the next Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise will be held in Bangladesh in November. He also expressed hope that Dhaka would continue joining regional maritime training programmes, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

According to BSS, the discussions also covered progress on the proposed General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between Bangladesh and the United States.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has always stood for global peace and remains committed to international cooperation. He also recalled the US-led “Operation Sea Angels” launched after the devastating cyclone in Bangladesh in 1991.

Admiral Koehler said Bangladesh and the United States have significant opportunities to expand cooperation and expressed optimism that bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger.

The meeting was attended by senior Bangladeshi officials, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam.

BOB Post