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.
Imran Khan again praised PM Modi: Said - he has no property abroad; Khuddar country has told India
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has once again praised the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. During a speech, Imran said that Narendra Modi does not have any property outside the
Kolkata: Fire breaks out at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, no casualties; Check-in and flight operations restored
A fire broke out at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in West Bengal's capital Kolkata on Wednesday night. The airport official said that the airport 3C departure was located near
Bengaluru violence: Three killed in police firing, 110 arrested
In Bengaluru, the number of people who died in a controversy caused by a social media post and the violence that has arisen from it has now risen to three.
Weather Update: Delhiites will not get relief from the rain, trouble on Rajasthan-MP also; Read the condition of your state
Monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in many states of North India. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal are still in the grip of floods. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has again issued an alert
MCG attracts record 93,013 attendance for World Cup final
Melbourne, March 29 (IANS) The World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Sunday broke the sport's attendance record with 93,013 people turning
Rishi Sunak: Rishi Sunak's appointment is a surprise for Pakistan, IAS officer Shah Faesal praises India
There is as much talk of Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as in Britain. More than that in India. A war of words is going on between Congress and the BJP over this. Meanwhile, IAS officer Shah
Why Congress is absent from Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections, has already accepted defeat
The Election Commission can announce the assembly elections of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh at any time. At the same time, if we talk about political parties in these states, then BJP has blown its
Pakistan: Islamabad High Court gives big relief to Imran Khan, lifts ban on live speeches
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has given a big relief to PTI President Imran Khan. The court has suspended the orders of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) banning the live
1.53 lakh new patients were found last day, 2.37 lakh were cured; 3,129 lost their lives, this figure of death is the lowest in the last 34 days
The second wave of Corona in the country is beginning to wreak havoc. With the new cases in the past, there was also a decrease in the death toll for the first time. In the country on Sunday, one lakh
WhatsApp service was restored after being closed for one and a half hours: Messenger was down at 12.30 pm, started after 96 minutes at 2:06 pm
WhatsApp's services were down for about one and a half hours in many countries of the world on Tuesday. According to the information, WhatsApp stopped working at 12.30 pm. After being closed for about
