Dhaka, June 02 (UNB)- The government on Saturday outright dismissed as baseless and unfounded the reports published in local media about the possible parking of the US 7th Fleet in Chittagong.

The report was originally aired by Times Now, a Mumbai-based private TV channel and later carried by the Times of India on its 31st May online version.

Responding to the reports, the government in a press note stated in categorical terms that such report are baseless and unfounded, and that the assumptions and suggestions contained in the report are clearly fabricated.

The press note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated in unequivocal terms that there has been no such discussion at any level between Bangladesh and the USA, including during the recent visit of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

It said the recently signed Joint Declaration on Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue reflects the multifaceted partnership between the two countries and provides an institutional mechanism of dialogue on an annual basis on all issues of mutual interest.

Both sides are committed to such institutional dialogue in furthering substantive co-operation and consultation.

The government also underscored its commitment to furthering cooperation, peace and stability in the region and in the world.

The press note said Bangladesh’s role in global peacekeeping and its pioneering role in engendering institutionalized regional co-operation in South Asia is well recognised, as also her credentials as an active, responsible and contributing member of the international community.