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US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, has arrived in Dhaka for a three-day visit. This marks his first visit to Dhaka.
The US Embassy in Dhaka announced Gor’s arrival in the city on Thursday (July 30).
US Ambassador Brent Christensen said, “I am delighted to welcome my friend, Ambassador Sergio Gor, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, to Bangladesh. His visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership, regional security, and economic cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh.”
On the first day of his Dhaka visit, Sergio Gor is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. Discussions will cover the Bangladesh government’s foreign policy priorities and Dhaka-Washington bilateral relations. Specifically, Washington may seek to understand Bangladesh’s position and foreign policy in the context of recent regional diplomatic activities.
During his visit, he will exchange views with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, leaders of various political parties, professionals, and civil society representatives. He also plans to visit the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Diplomatic sources indicate that following the formation of the BNP government last February, and subsequent visits by the Prime Minister to China, the Foreign Minister to Moscow, and the Turkish Foreign Minister to Dhaka, there has been significant international interest in Bangladesh’s strategic position. It is in this context that Washington seeks to understand Dhaka’s foreign policy.
Besides serving as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia for the Trump administration, Sergio Gor also holds the position of Ambassador to India. He may inquire about the progress of Dhaka-Delhi relations, particularly Bangladesh’s ties with the Narendra Modi government. He might even convey a message from the Indian government to the Bangladesh government.
Furthermore, Washington may seek a clear understanding of Bangladesh’s stance regarding its growing closeness with China and its diplomatic engagements with Moscow and Ankara over the past few months.
After the BNP government took office last February, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Paul Kapoor, visited Bangladesh in March, followed by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asian Affairs, Brendan Lynch, in May.
Recently, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila. Sergio Gor was present at that meeting. During the meeting, both sides discussed further strengthening US-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
It is noteworthy that Sergio Gor is known as a close associate of US President Donald Trump. Before becoming 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.