Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05DHAKA3073
2005-06-30 08:14:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON PM

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM BG 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003073 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM BG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON PM


Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough, reason para 1.4 (b)

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 003073

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM BG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON PM


Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough, reason para 1.4 (b)


1. (C) On June 30, Ambassador Thomas paid his farewell call
on PM Khaleda Zia. He was accompanied by EconOff as
notetaker. The Ambassador thanked the PM for her continued
cooperation with USG efforts and for her willingness to meet
with USG visitors to Dhaka, most recently U/S Burns. He
conveyed USG appreciation for BDG commitment and "full
partnership" in the War on Terror. He applauded her
administration's development initiatives in critical areas
like population control, consistent GDP growth, attracting
foreign investment, making the streets cleaner and safer, and
investing in infrastructure development with fly-overs in the
city. He also highlighted Bangladesh's significant progress
in the telecommunications sector.


2. (C) The Ambassador expressed respect for the PM's
leadership and said that he was confident that the BDG would
do its best to ensure free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
He offered USG assistance in this regard in any area. He
mentioned that USAID's programs continue to grow and thrive
in Bangladesh and the Peace Corps is increasing its
volunteers from 70 to 150 in the next year. He also talked
about the success of USAID's new TV program "Sisimpur." The
Ambassador also mentioned the Embassy's upcoming Bangladesh
Road Show in the U.S. as another USG effort to further
positive relations between the two countries.


3. (C) The Ambassador mentioned some upcoming USG visits to
Bangladesh, including the Peace Corps Director next month.
He thanked senior cabinet ministers for their cooperation
with the USG and thanked the PM's principal secretary, Dr.
Kamal Siddiqui, for his candor and openness with USG
officials.


4. (C) He applauded the PM and the work of her sister, the
minister for women's and children's affairs, on human
trafficking. He said that BDG's efforts in this area were
publicly mentioned and appreciated.


5. (C) The PM thanked the Ambassador for his work in
Bangladesh and hoped the he would continue to serve as an
advocate for strong US-Bangladesh relations.
THOMAS