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.
Flames still out of gas well in Tinsukia, Assam, two people dead
Guwahati. Flames are still coming out of the oil well of the state-run gas utility Oil India in T
America has once again made a statement after US President Joe Biden called Pakistan the most dan
The death of a 68-year-old man has been confirmed in India due to the corona vaccine. The panel c
The Sri Lankan team has been announced for the three-match T20I series against India (Ind vs Sl T
Activists protest against Yamuna pollution
Agra/Mathura, March 26 (IANS) Activists gathered along the banks of the Yamuna here to demand a
The continuation of death due to spurious liquor continues in Bihar. The opposition is busy besie
Parliament Special Session 2023 The special session of Parliament is going to start today. The go
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will also investigate the case of the death of Mansukh Hi
Actress Rhea Chakraborty arrested in a drug case got bail from the Bombay High Court. The court s
AAP withholding municipal funds: BJP complains to LG
New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday said the AAP government was
