Any engagement with America to be considered based on nat’l interest: Shama Obaed
The remarks came days after Washington proposed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, as another senior US military official prepares to visit Bangladesh.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Bangladesh views the US proposal on civil nuclear cooperation positively, stressing that any engagement with Washington will be considered if it serves the interests of the people.
The government's approach remains "positive", and any bilateral agreement with the US will be considered on the basis of the national interest, she said while responding to a question from journalists at the ministry today (3 August).
Shama said the government would move forward with any agreement that benefits people, contributes to the country's economy and helps deepen bilateral ties.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
During the recent visit of US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Washington reportedly proposed a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation with Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Steve Koehler is scheduled to pay a three-day official visit to the country starting tomorrow (4 August), US Embassy Dhaka Acting Spokesperson Mara Bird said yesterday.
During his visit, Admiral Koehler plans to meet senior Bangladeshi officials to discuss the longstanding Bangladesh-US defense partnership and explore opportunities to expand cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and professional military education, Bird said.
