Remarks

Reunion of American Studies Institute Student
from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh

Eastern Residence Hotel
March 9, 2005

Professor Kees de Mooy and faculty and staff of Washington College; alumni of the American Studies Institute; colleagues, it is a great pleasure for me to greet you at your reunion here in Dhaka.
 
There is an old Chinese curse: “May you live in interesting times.”  Well these are certainly interesting times here in South Asia, but I don’t feel cursed.  I think that it’s a real privilege to be serving in South Asia.  I think that Americans are more aware of and interested in South Asia now, than we’ve ever been in the past. 
 
 Our foreign policy – both worldwide, and here in South Asia - is firmly founded on the President’s belief in expanding freedom -- for individuals as well as nations -- on promoting economic prosperity and on never, never giving up in the search for peace.
 
South Asia is a region of remarkable social, economic and technological transformations, yet it is the only place in the world where there has been a recent danger that two nuclear-armed countries could go to war. It is also the front line of our Global War on Terrorism.
 
Pakistan has been a key ally in the Global War on Terrorism helping us to prevent al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists from committing further attacks.  Pakistan also acted decisively to end the operations of AQ Khan’s nuclear proliferation network.  The United States is working closely with Pakistan to help expand counter terror cooperation, bolster economic growth and expand social sector programs, including education, heath, grassroots development and democracy.
 
India is the world’s largest democracy and seems on track to become one of the world’s largest economies.  Yet, while we are India’s largest trading partner, our bilateral trade remains far below what it could be – improving that situation is one of our primary objectives.  India and the United States are also looking to expand cooperation in such areas as: civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs and high technology trade.
 
Democratic Bangladesh is a valued partner in the war on terror, a moderate voice in regional and international foray, and a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.  We were all reminded of Bangladesh’s role in peacekeeping missions by the tragic death of nine peacekeepers in Congo recently.  In the last 30 years, Bangladesh has succeeded in becoming agriculturally self-sustaining; in dramatically reducing its birth rate; in improving literacy rates; in delivering basic social services to its people; and in empowering women through employment and education.
 
Each of your three countries faces its own challenges, but there are also regional challenges that must be faced together.  The December tsunami reminded us that nature does not respect political boundaries.  We were all heartened by the outpouring of assistance, both by governments and by private citizens from around the world – including here in Bangladesh.  As young South Asians, you share some common heritage, but you have also inherited some unresolved conflicts dating back to 1947 or 1971.  The United States does not advocate any particular solution to these conflicts, but it is in our interest – and the world’s interest – that you seek to resolve them in a peaceful manner.  While it is up to governments to negotiate treaties, the people to people ties that individuals develop – that you have clearly developed and that have inspired you to come together again at this reunion – play a vital role in promoting mutual understanding and peace.
 
In closing, I ask each of you here to look to the future, which is your future.  Each of you has studied the past, and each of you knows about the present challenges, but the future of South Asia is in your hands and in those of your generation.
 

I would be happy to take any questions that you may have at this time.

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Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website:  dhaka.usembassy.gov).