PM, US Admiral Hold Talks on Bilateral Defense, Disaster Response and Security

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held bilateral talks with United States Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler on Tuesday, covering defense collaboration, humanitarian relief, disaster management, and regional security as both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic ties.

The high-level meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

During the discussion, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reflected on the US-led Operation Sea Angel—launched to assist Bangladesh following the disastrous 1991 cyclone—and expressed gratitude for the long-standing humanitarian and disaster response partnership between both countries.

Highlighting Bangladesh's active engagement in joint naval maneuvers, Admiral Stephen Koehler announced that Bangladesh will host the upcoming Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in November. 

Admiral Stephen Koehler also noted Bangladesh's participation in the Sea Vision Exercise in Singapore, voicing optimism that the nation will consistently join future editions of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise along with its associated training initiatives.

The two sides further reviewed advancements concerning the proposed General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and acknowledged the mutual understanding achieved regarding the bilateral pact.

Representatives from Bangladesh emphasized that Dhaka places high importance on its partnership with Washington and remains eager to enhance bilateral relations through broader, forward-looking strategic cooperation.

Admiral Stephen Koehler observed that the United States and Bangladesh possess vast avenues for joint effort, expressing confidence that bilateral ties will continue to solidify. 

He also commended Bangladesh's significant role in United Nations peacekeeping operations across Africa.

In response, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman affirmed that "Bangladesh has always stood for peace across the world".

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam, the Director General of the North America Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside other senior government officials.