(BSS) - US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen today met Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in local government and development sectors.

The ambassador called on the minister at his office here, where they discussed mutual partnership between Bangladesh and the United States and explored various areas of cooperation.

State Minister Mir Shahe Alam was present at the meeting, according to a handout.

During the meeting, the LGRD minister expressed Bangladesh`s interest in utilising US expertise and technical knowledge in several areas, including water management development, waste management, renewable energy, agriculture and cold storage.

He said exchange of experience and cooperative programmes between the two countries could make Bangladesh`s development activities more effective and sustainable.

"We believe in people`s empowerment," Dr Moyeen said, adding that the government is working with special emphasis on the country`s economic prosperity.

He said the government has taken various initiatives to make local government institutions stronger and more effective.

The minister also said effective waste management in urban areas and environmental protection are among the government`s priorities.

State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is also prioritising waste management and stressed the importance of enhancing international cooperation in the sector.

Both sides expressed optimism that the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and the United States could open new avenues for cooperation in the local government sector and make bilateral collaboration deeper and more fruitful in the coming days.

Senior officials from the ministry and the US Embassy in Dhaka were present at the meeting.