US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen paid a courtesy call on Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen and expand cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

The meeting was held at the minister’s office on Monday morning, with discussions focusing on bilateral partnership and potential areas of cooperation in local government and development.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam was also present.

During the meeting, Dr Khan expressed interest in utilising US expertise and technological knowledge in areas including water management, waste management, renewable energy and cold storage facilities for agricultural products.

“Exchanging expertise and undertaking joint programmes in these areas would make Bangladesh’s development efforts more effective and sustainable,” he said.

The minister said the government was committed to serving the people. “We are a government of the people. We believe in empowering the people,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s focus on economic prosperity, he said various initiatives had been taken to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of local government institutions.

He also said ensuring effective waste management for better urban management and environmental protection was one of the government’s priorities.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Dr Khan on assuming his new responsibilities. He highlighted the importance of the Local Government Ministry’s work for ordinary Bangladeshis and expressed the US’s interest in continuing its support in the sector.