The new United States ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T Christensen, formally presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban today, marking his official assumption of the post.

“The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend,” Christensen said. “In over 50 years of partnership, we have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both our countries, and the sovereignty of our great nations. I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship.”

Christensen, a veteran career diplomat, was sworn in as the new ambassador on January 10. He said he was pleased to be returning to a country he knows well. Bangladesh’s national security adviser, Dr Khalilur Rahman, attended the swearing-in ceremony in Washington as a special guest.

The White House first announced Christensen’s nomination on September 2. An official newsletter said: “Brent Christensen, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.”