Uzra Zeya Highlights Bangladesh's Role as a Top Partner in Indo-Pacific Relations

She highlighted Bangladesh as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the Rohingya response and as the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the U.S.

Staff Reporter

Oct 13, 2024, 10:18 AM2 min read

Uzra Zeya Highlights Bangladesh's Role as a Top Partner in Indo-Pacific Relations

Uzra Zeya with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin in Washington

Uzra Zeya, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, emphasized the United States' partnership with Bangladesh during a recent meeting with Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin in Washington on October 11. She highlighted Bangladesh as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the Rohingya response and as the top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the U.S.

In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Zeya noted their "vital discussion" on U.S.-Bangladesh humanitarian cooperation, accountability, democratic institutions, and labor rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka reported that their talks included reforms in democratic institutions, addressing human rights violations, humanitarian responses, sustainable solutions for the Rohingya crisis, and labor rights.

Foreign Secretary Uddin also held a productive meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma, reinforcing commitments to deepen bilateral ties and enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as technical and financial support for the interim government's reform initiatives, the Rohingya crisis, and labor law reforms.

Additionally, Uddin met with John Bass, Acting U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. His agenda included the interim government’s reform agenda, democratic transition, economic and security issues, regional stability, and the Rohingya crisis.

In a meeting with Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia, Uddin addressed mutual cooperation on diversifying exports, duty-free access for RMGs produced from U.S. cotton, simplifying registration for pharmaceuticals, labor law reforms, and access to the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

Uddin's visit to Washington follows a trip to New York, and he is scheduled to depart on October 14. During his meetings, he engaged with various U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu and Deputy Assistant Secretaries, to discuss a broad range of mutual interests.

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