Lauding the United States’ return to the Paris climate agreement, Bangladesh Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina said it will provide new momentum to climate diplomacy, The comment came when Hasina met John Kerry, the US special envoy for climate, on Friday in Dhaka, according to a Daily Star report.

Kerry came to Bangladesh to extend an invitation to Hasina for an upcoming climate summit. Both countries are looking for a new relationship. 

“We have experienced the hottest month and year in human history [last year]. We see the damages all across the world -- fires, flood, drought, sea-level rise, food production being hampered… migration is already happening because of climate change," Kerry said on Friday. 

Bangladesh has been looking for funding from the US for its renewable energy projects. And, the United States, especially under the Biden administration, has expressed its willingness to provide funds and leadership to raise climate ambition. 

Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momin also held discussions with Kerry. 

“Kerry is a doer. He has been a success story… now, we would hope John Kerry will help achieve the 100-billion-dollar climate fund from next year,” Momin was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. “This could be his landmark. Out of that, 50 percent should be allocated for adaptation and 50 percent for mitigation,” he added. 

Momin also highlighted several climate-related issues Bangladesh has been facing for years now. “We both agreed to collaborate to achieve our goals for a better future for the next generation,” he said. 

Media reports suggested that the US, under a multi-year program, may commit to provide 15-20 million in funding to promote clean energy and innovation in Bangladesh.   

In a statement released late on Friday, the US embassy in Dhaka said, “Bangladesh plays a vital role in international efforts to combat climate change and adapt and build resilience to climate hazards.”