It came up with the view when Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte met Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury on the sidelines of the 14th Asean Regional Forum (ARF) that kicked off in Manila the same day.

A member of the grouping that strives to promote open dialogue on political and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, Bangladesh is likely to sign a non-aggression pact--Treaty of Amity and Cooperation--tomorrow.

Meeting Iftekhar, the US deputy secretary also noted that the caretaker government enjoys "popular support" and appreciated the country's 'voice of moderation' in the Muslim world, according to a foreign ministry press release from the Philippines capital.

He said the US administration has been following the events in Bangladesh very closely and expressed the hope that elections take place as stipulated in the (Election Commission) roadmap, said the press release.

Iftekhar said, "We in Bangladesh see the US as a close partner, and wish to work with them across a range of issues including development, anti-terrorism, non-proliferation and human rights and dignity."

He added, "I also explained to him the plans and programmes of the caretaker government and the 'roadmap' leading to the elections by December 2008."

“Bangladesh is a mainstream voice of moderation and is a responsible international actor, which the US appreciates very much. Mr Negroponte has wished us success in our endeavours," added the foreign adviser.

Bilateral relations and international situations were among the issues discussed at the meeting.