Dhaka, June 20 -- United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen has urged Bangladeshis to support the US in the ongoing World Cup, saying backing America "in the long run" always pays off.

His comments came after a meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at his ministry on Saturday, which officials described as routine ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's foreign visits to Malaysia and China.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the envoy shifted away from bilateral issues and referred to the US team's recent World Cup victory over Australia.

"I was down here for a very important reason. Last night, the US won a resounding victory over Australia in the World Cup and we are on to the next round. So I am here to ...