Kolkata: The US Ambassador Charge d' Affaires ad interim to India Kathleen Stephens on Thursday stressed the need for strengthening the relationship with India.

"We have to work on sustainable economic growth. President Barack Obama said that the US needs to have a good relationship with India. I believe relationship should be strengthened. We have relationship for centuries," she told reporters at 'Nabanna', the West Bengal state secretariat.

"I believe our best stage is still to come. We have a common goal. I am honoured to be here," she said.

The Ambassador who met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, described her visit here as "a very good trip".

"I stayed in Kolkata for two-and-half days. I am impressed by the beauty of the city and especially honoured to meet the CM. We are proud of the long history of Bengal's people," she added.

(PTI)