Kolkata, March 10 (IANS) While stressing India's key position, a US official on Tuesday said Bangladesh with its geographical advantages and a politically opening Myanmar provided greater opportunities to enhance regional cooperation in South Asia.
Addressing a two-day seminar on "Building Pan Asian Connectivity", US Department of State Regional Affairs' deputy director Neil Kromash also assured his country's support in restoring democracy in Sri Lanka.
"Bangladesh sometimes is overlooked in the discussions about regional connectivity. Strategically situated at the intersection of China, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, Bangladesh enjoys advantageous geography that makes it an ideal hub for connectivity," said Kromash.
Notwithstanding the political turmoil in Bangladesh, Kromash said the US would continue to engage with the country to strengthen bilateral ties with regional economic cooperation being a high priority.
"Since its political transition got underway in 2011, Myanmar has steadily been an area of significant opportunity," he said.
"So many challenges remain, but as the undeniable conduit between South and Southeast Asia, Myanmar and its improving economic climate has a big role to play in the region's future capacity to ensure free flow of goods and services across borders," said Kromash.
The official spoke about Sri Lanka.
"Positive developments have also taken place in Sri Lanka where the January elections brought a new government overthrowing a longstanding autocratic regime.
"The US will do all it can to support the new government in restoring democracy and heal fragile ethnic tensions," said Kromash.
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming the 'Look East' policy into 'Act East' policy, Kromash said eastern India, especially West Bengal, offered immense opportunities for further developing connectivity in South Asia.
"India's rebranded Act East policy has moved beyond rhetoric and is taking shape across Indo-Pacific through summit level engagements with the ASEAN countries, trade agreements and other strategic investments meant to open new markets to the region.
"Being the anchor of South Asia, India plays a leading role in this regional equation," added Kromash.
AAP holds National Council meet amid dissent
New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Council meeting began on Saturday amid high drama with dissident leader Yogendra Yadav alleging that members with valid invitations
India-Russia: Russian Ambassador said - India-Russia relations are among the world's most comprehensive cooperation
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said the India-Russia multi-faceted cooperation is one of the widest in the world and the countries have been successful in "building true friendship and
Labourers vandalise DLF office in Gurgaon
Gurgaon, March 18 (IANS) Angry over the death of a colleague, a number of labourers on Wednesday protested against DLF and vandalised the company's site office in sector 62 here, police said.Badan
Patna: Commotion of drug addicts on the flight coming from Delhi to Patna, misbehavior with the air hostess and crew member
The cases of misbehavior by drunken passengers during a flight are increasing day by day. Recently, a man drunkenly urinated on a female passenger on a flight from New York to Delhi. This incident
CM Yogi: 'The same thing is happening in Bangladesh today as happened in 1947', CM Yogi said - Hindus there are pleading for their lives
In a tribute meeting organized on the occasion of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day in Hazratganj, Lucknow, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that what happened in 1947 is happening in Pakistan
Independence's Amrit Festival in Sabarmati: Modi said - watching history build on Bapu's workplace, public leaders like Nehru and Patel were the pioneers of the freedom movement
The central government has announced to celebrate the 'Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi' from 12 March 2021 to 15 August 2022. In this connection, on the completion of 91 years of the Father of the Nation,
Vande Mataram: 'Millions of people chanted Vande Mataram, that's why we are here', key points from PM Modi's address
A discussion was held in Parliament to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Prime Minister Modi initiated the discussion in the Lok Sabha with his address. During his speech, PM Modi touched
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: 'If you have courage, show it by arresting'; Congress's march continues from Dhubri, Assam
Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi proceeded from Dhubri in Assam on Thursday. Today is the last day of travel in Assam. Congress leaders have launched a scathing attack against the
4 lakh people affected by rain-floods in Odisha: Rescue of 10 fishermen stranded in the sea in Gujarat's Valsad; Chhattisgarh lost contact with Andhra-Telangana
Rain continues in many states of the country. Due to heavy rains in Odisha for two days, many districts are affected by floods. 4.67 lakh people are affected due to rain-flood in the state. The Banas
People are withdrawing huge amounts of cash from banks, 53 thousand crores of cash were withdrawn in the first fortnight of March, this is the highest in 16 months
Mumbai. Fear of coronaviruses are affecting every part of people's lives. People are withdrawing huge amounts of cash from banks in anticipation of emergency. Depositors have withdrawn cash worth Rs
