SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good
afternoon, everyone. It’s a pleasure to have Foreign Minister Momen here
with us today at the State Department, and important to take account of the fact that the
relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has grown tremendously over the last 50
years – economically, our people-to-people ties, work that we’ve been doing more recently
on everything from climate to health, which we very much value. And we also
deeply appreciate Bangladesh’s remarkable
generosity to more than 1 million Rohingya
refugees that they have been taking care of. We’re committed to continuing to work together,
to find ways to strengthen and deepen the relationship, to address as well economic
development and human rights. And of course, we’re looking – the world is looking – to
Bangladesh for its next elections, to make sure that they set a strong example for free and
fair elections for the region and for the world. But Abdul, welcome. It’s
very good to have yo
u here. FOREIGN MINISTER MOMEN: Thank you.
Thank you, Secretary of State, for your invitation to meet you to strengthen
our relationship between U.S. and Bangladesh and to solidify the relationship. I am
so thankful to you. And Bangladesh and USA has multifaceted, dynamic,
and wide-ranging relationship. And over the last 50 years we have done really
well, and we look forward to future 50 years. Recently, when we were observing our
51st anniversary independence day, President Biden sent a v
ery warm letter
to our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. And he stated, and I quote, “USA and
Bangladesh achieved a lot together.” He ended his letter with a very special word, and
it is – the word is, Joy Bangla. Means, “Victory to Bangladesh.” It signifies our sacrifice of 3
million lives for our independence, for upholding democracy, human rights, justice, and human
dignity. We are thankful to President Biden, and our prime minister has also sent a letter
to him which I shall hand over to y
ou today. Secretary Blinken, you also made
a wonderful statement during our independence, and I would like to quote you.
You said, “Bangladesh has many reasons to be proud . With a rapidly growing economy,
an increasingly well-educated workforce, and a dynamic youth demographic, Bangladesh is
quickly becoming a regional leader.” You added, “The United States is proud of its partnership
with Bangladesh and of the resulting achievements made over the last five decades. Most , we have
made re
al strides together battling COVID-19.” I agree with you. You are also the – we
need to all achieve with your support and active partnership, and we are proud of your
partnership. And we look beyond in the future, so that we can have more better days in future. I am here to develop, strengthen, and solidify
our relationship. Thank you, Your Excellency. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, everyone.
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