C-in-C of US Pacific Command calls on President

Visiting Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of US Pacific Command Admiral Dennis Cutler Blair made a courtesy call on President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban yesterday, reports UNB.

Welcoming Admiral Blair, President Shahabuddin, also the Supreme Command of Bangladesh Armed Forces, said Bangladesh and USA have been maintaining excellent bilateral relations based on mutual trust, confidence and cooperation.

"The defence cooperation between Bangladesh and USA has grown steadily in the field of training and material supports, and joint exercises and support during disaster management," he observed.

Shahabuddin recalled the participation of Bangladesh Army in UN Missions under the command of US Army, and appreciated USA for providing funds to assist Bangladesh for establishing Peacekeeping Operation Training Centre (PKOTC).

He said Admiral Blair's visit would help strengthen the existing relations between the two armed forces.

Thanking the President for receiving him, Admiral Blair said Bangladesh Army in UN peacekeeping missions played a praiseworthy role. He stressed the need for close cooperation between the two armed forces.

US Ambassador John C Holzman, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, president's secretary M Ismail Hossain, Defence Secretary M Idris Ali, PSO of the Armed Forces Division Maj Gen Imamuz Zaman and Foreign Policy Advisor to the US Pacific Command Ambassador Charles H Twining were present on the occasion.