Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh

The President and Prime Minister Zia of Bangladesh met for approximately one hour in the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.

The President reaffirmed our strong commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting economic development in Bangladesh. The two leaders recalled Bangladesh's contribution to the successful fight against Iraqi aggression. The President said we will continue to provide economic assistance and food aid to Bangladesh.

The President and Prime Minister Zia also deplored the actions of the Government of Myanmar (Burma) that have led to the massive recent influx of Burmese refugees into Bangladesh. The President announced that the United States will provide $3 million in funding from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Funds to help Bangladesh with the refugees.