DHAKA, Aug 4, (V7N) — Eric Geelan, Political and Economic Counsellor at the US Embassy in Dhaka, today met Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at the ministry to discuss - Eric Geelan, Political and Economic Counsellor at the US Embassy in Dhaka, today met Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood at the ministry to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

He was accompanied by Joseph Boski, Economic Officer of the US Embassy. [Photo: PID]

The meeting held cordial and constructive discussions on enhancing energy cooperation between the two countries.

Issues discussed included the scope for energy collaboration, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), expanding business-to-business ties and other areas of mutual interest.

Both sides explored opportunities to widen and deepen cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in LNG and LPG, with detailed discussions to ensure better understanding on both sides.

The possibility of formalizing cooperation through an MoU was also discussed, and both sides showed interest in identifying priority areas for joint work.

The talks also focused on encouraging greater participation of US companies in Bangladesh's energy sector and promoting government-to-government (G2G) cooperation, especially in view of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to the United States.

Both sides openly discussed existing challenges in bilateral energy cooperation and exchanged views on practical steps and a possible roadmap to overcome those challenges for mutual benefit and to strengthen Bangladesh's energy security.

The Energy Minister urged that follow-up meetings with relevant stakeholders be arranged at the earliest to discuss the matters in detail and move the process forward.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening energy partnership with the United States and welcomed continued engagement on issues of common interest.

Geelan thanked the minister for the fruitful discussion and reiterated the US Embassy's continued interest in supporting the development of Bangladesh's energy sector.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources were present at the meeting.

END/WD/RH