US envoy Gor to arrive in Dhaka for 3-day visit
Photo: REUTERS
US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor will arrive in Dhaka on Thursday for a three-day visit.
During his stay in Dhaka, he will meet with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. Gor will exchange views with leaders of various political parties, professionals, and representatives of civil society. He will also visit the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
The primary objective of Gor’s visit may be to discuss the Bangladesh government’s foreign policy priorities and the relationship between Dhaka and Washington. Washington may seek to understand and inquire about Bangladesh’s foreign policy amid recent regional diplomatic activities.
Diplomatic sources said international interest in Bangladesh’s strategic position has grown following the formation of the BNP government, the PM’s visit to China in June, Khalilur’s visit to Moscow, and the Turkish Foreign Minister’s visit to Dhaka.
Moreover, diplomatic sources added that besides serving as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Gor also serves as the US ambassador to India. He may seek to learn about the progress of Dhaka-Delhi relations, the advancement of Bangladesh’s relationship with the Modi government.
He might also deliver a message from the Indian government to the Bangladesh government. On the other hand, Washington may want to understand Bangladesh’s engagement with China over the past few months and the country’s attitude regarding it. US may seek information regarding the country’s diplomatic activities with Moscow and Ankara.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur visited in March, followed by Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in May.
Earlier, Khalilur met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila. Gor also attended. Both sides discussed strengthening US-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
Gor is known as a close associate of US President Donald Trump. Before being appointed as the US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Gor served as the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
