Dhaka, July 29 (V7N)- US President Donald Trump's special envoy Sergio Gore is set to visit Dhaka next Thursday to assess the foreign policy direction of Bangladesh's new government, with discussions expected to focus on Dhaka's relations with China and the implementation of a trade agreement with Washington.
Gore recently met Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and other senior leaders from the region during the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila. From there, he is scheduled to travel to Dhaka via Delhi.
According to the schedule, Gore will hold a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Thursday. He is also expected to meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the same day.
Diplomatic observers believe the US envoy may seek clarification on Bangladesh's growing engagement with China. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited China through Malaysia after forming the government in February, while Dhaka has also increased commercial ties with Turkey.
Former Bangladesh ambassador to the United States Humayun Kabir said Washington's regional priority is now focused on containing China's influence. He said the US may want to know Bangladesh's position regarding Chinese investment proposals and large-scale projects.
He also said Washington may remind Dhaka of possible implications under the trade agreement framework, particularly regarding engagement with non-market economies.
Former Bangladesh ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said the United States cannot force Bangladesh to accept any agreement or policy decision. He said discussions would likely focus on what cooperation Washington can offer and what Bangladesh can gain from the relationship.
International relations experts said Bangladesh needs to maintain balanced relations with major powers, including the United States, China, Malaysia and Turkey, while protecting its own national interests.
Dhaka University International Relations Department teacher Obaidul Haque said the US administration understands that Bangladesh cannot exclude any country from its foreign relations. However, Washington may seek assurances that Bangladesh's policies will not harm US strategic interests in the region.
Following the formation of the BNP government, two senior Trump administration officials have already visited Dhaka. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur visited in March, while Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch visited the country two months ago.
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