US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu is embarking on a South Asian tour to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral cooperation and demonstrate US support for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region [353f93a2]. In Chennai, Lu will meet with Consulate personnel to bolster engagement in southern India. In Colombo, he will deepen the partnership with Sri Lanka, supporting economic recovery and civil society. The visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka is leaning towards India as a counterbalance to Chinese influence [42c5b0cd]. The US's engagement in the region reflects its efforts to maintain stability and influence in the Indo-Pacific [353f93a2].
Elizabeth K. Horst, the US nominee to Sri Lanka, is committed to countering Chinese investments in the country. She stated this during her confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Horst emphasized that the US has an alternative and better model to offer Sri Lanka. If confirmed as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, she will focus on broadening economic cooperation, bolstering security interests, and deepening ties with Sri Lanka's diverse population. Horst also acknowledged the progress Sri Lanka has made in recovering from the civil war and recent political and economic crises. She expressed her intention to continue the work of current US Ambassador Julie Chung [795f25f5]. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee appreciated Chung's role in Sri Lanka. The visit of Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu to Sri Lanka aligns with Horst's commitment to counter Chinese investments and strengthen bilateral ties [42c5b0cd].
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, reiterated the United States' assistance to Sri Lanka for the development of a strong and dynamic economy. The statement was made during a meeting between the US Ambassador and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandalal Weerashinghe. The discussion focused on bilateral ties, debt restructuring, and ongoing reforms. The US Ambassador emphasized the need for good governance and transparency as the United States continues to support the development of Sri Lanka's economy [5cbe12ea].
President Joe Biden has dispatched Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu to Dhaka for a three-day visit to strengthen ties with Bangladesh [0cecd0d1]. The visit aims to reconcile relations previously marred by tensions over democratic governance and human rights issues. Lu engaged in various meetings and activities, including discussions with senior government figures on economic affairs, labour policy reforms, tax system modernization, and clean energy cooperation. The Biden administration's strategic pivot prioritizes the economy while still addressing issues like free and fair elections, human rights, democracy, and labour policy reforms. The US is the largest destination for Bangladesh's exports, the biggest investor in Bangladesh, and a significant source of remittances. The visit signifies a diplomatic recalibration of ties after the Jan 7 general election, which drew scrutiny from the US for concerns over its integrity. The US aims to rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation on positive issues, such as new investments, educational opportunities for Bangladeshi students in the US, and clean energy initiatives. Discussions also focused on combating climate change, environmental cooperation, and the free use of NASA's satellite images for environment and climate protection. The visit marks a renewed focus on the future and elevating bilateral relations to a new level [0cecd0d1].
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told the government they will support the withdrawal of sanctions against Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Lu also asked Bangladesh to ensure timely payments to American companies conducting business in the country. Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman said that the US side told him that the White House is also for the withdrawal of sanctions, but they have a procedure that needs to be followed. The US last year announced a visa policy for Bangladesh, saying those undermining democratic elections would be denied visas. Bangladesh also sought funding under the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The two also spoke about regional power connectivity between Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, and the crisis in Gaza. Dhaka's priority will be trade and economy, while Washington's will be security, especially advancing partnership under its Indo-Pacific Strategy. Lu met with civil society members to discuss human rights, labour rights, environment, gender, and media freedom. Lu will hold a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and call on Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury. Washington wants to see Bangladesh as a net security provider and hopes that Bangladesh sees the Indo-Pacific Strategy as an opportunity to cooperate with the US and its partners to help address some of Bangladesh's security concerns. Washington's push for democracy, human rights, and good governance is also part of the US-led strategy. Lu may press for signing the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) on logistics and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to advance security and defense relationship, but Dhaka is reluctant to sign the agreements now. Bangladesh also seeks greater US contribution towards climate change initiatives and support for Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh would also seek investments from the US, the single largest export market for Bangladesh [6ceebff1].
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, visited Bangladesh and expressed the US's interest in advancing relations with the country. Despite previous tensions over free and fair elections and human rights, the US wants to put past bitterness aside and focus on strengthening ties, particularly in the economic sphere. Donald Lu discussed economic issues with senior officials and civil society representatives, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation. The US is concerned about China's growing influence in the region and wants to avoid further differences with Bangladesh. The visit signals a shift in the US's stance towards Bangladesh and a desire to reestablish trust in the relationship [a10d2911].