US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy on South and Central Asian Affairs Sergio Gor today began his first official visit to Bangladesh, a trip expected to further strengthen bilateral strategic ties and deepen cooperation on regional security and economic issues.

Welcoming the envoy, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen described Gor as a friend of Bangladesh and said the visit would reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries.

"I am delighted to welcome to Bangladesh my friend, the U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor," the ambassador said.

He said the visit would help strengthen Bangladesh-US strategic relations as well as cooperation on regional security and economic issues.

Ahead of the visit, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday described Gor's trip as an "exploratory" mission aimed at gaining a broader understanding of Bangladesh.

"He will want to understand Bangladesh. He will speak not only with us but also with many other stakeholders," the foreign minister told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

Dr. Khalilur said the US special envoy is also expected to visit the Rohingya camps, noting that the United States remains the largest international contributor to the humanitarian response for the displaced Myanmar nationals.

He said Bangladesh-US relations are multidimensional and that both countries are keen to elevate the partnership further.