Dhaka, Sep 02 (V7N)- President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the United States to review and simplify its existing “visa bond” system for Bangladeshi businessmen and genuine tourists seeking to travel to the country.
He made the call during a courtesy meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning.
The President thanked the US ambassador, describing the United States as one of Bangladesh’s key development and trade partners. He said bilateral trade relations with Washington play an important role in the country’s economic development.
Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh attaches great importance to independence, sovereignty, national interests, mutual respect and equality in its international relations. He expressed hope that Bangladesh-US relations would expand further through mutual respect and the protection of shared interests.
Discussing the bilateral trade agreement recently signed between Bangladesh and the United States, the President described it as an important step toward strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
However, he said there remains scope to make the agreement more balanced and mutually beneficial by taking into account the economic realities and interests of both countries.
The President also sought continued US cooperation to ensure the safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to their homeland.
The US ambassador assured continued American support on the Rohingya issue and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with ASEAN member states.
During the meeting, Ambassador Christensen congratulated President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming office and conveyed his best wishes for his tenure.
END/SMA/AJ
