Speeches Shim
As you all know, America and Bangladesh have been working together closely for some time on many fronts, from health to counterterrorism, to food security. Together we've dramatically reduced the maternal and child mortality and tripled the production of rice and achieved 6 percent annual GDP growth over the last decade. Our relationship is much more than a partnership, much more than lights. It is a friendship. That friendship is based upon the values that we share. And as the Ambassador just alluded, in my view, that friendship has never been more important. We are working together to address the Rohingya crisis. America truly admires the capacity that Bangladesh has shown in extending a welcome to this poor beleaguered people. As your Administrator, I admire the role that you have played in helping Dhaka to meet their most immediate needs. We all recognize that the long-term answer must soon be found, but right now, the very survival of these oppressed families depends upon the help and assistance that you are helping to deliver. So, on behalf of the United States of America, I salute all of you.
So, first, the purpose of my visit is to learn. It was a chance for me to visit Cox's Bazar and to learn and see for myself, with my own eyes, and also to speak to people, both the Rohingya, as well, of course, Bangladesh's government but local leaders. In terms of this meeting, it's a chance to celebrate the partnership between Bangladesh and the United States -- all that has been achieved on so many fronts. And so that was the principal part of the conversation.
Good afternoon. Standing here with here with U.S. Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, I'm proud to announce that USAID is providing $44 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support the relief efforts towards the Rohingya, both in Bangladesh and in Burma. The time that I have spent here in Bangladesh and in this camp reminds me, number one, of the terrible atrocities that the Rohingya have faced. But, number two, how the world community is coming together to support the good work of the Bangladesh Government in trying to provide some relief to these poor beleaguered people.
Today, the United States announced more than $44 million in additional humanitarian assistance to meet the urgent needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and people affected by violence and conflict in Burma. This funding brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for displaced people in and from Burma to more than $299 million since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2017.
![](https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/news/05-13-2018/1sfjusq0ntdfdny7clk96pq.jpeg?itok=ACrJY3j_)
Just south of a Rohingya refugee mega-camp in Cox’s Bazar, Jamila is a compassionate and courageous Bangladeshi volunteer helping to save malnourished moms and babies, with funding and support from USAID, WFP and UNICEF.
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