FM holds bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov exchanged views on contemporary regional and global issues during their bilateral meeting in Moscow on Monday, June 8, according to a foreign ministry press release.

This was Dr Khalilur's first bilateral visit abroad after being elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He travelled to Russia on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Lavrov.

Lavrov congratulated Khalilur on his election as UNGA president and assured him of Russia's full support in his efforts to make the UN more effective and strengthen its central role in global affairs.

"We are looking forward to tangible outcomes of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly," Lavrov said, assuring that Russia stands by Dr Khalilur as he prepares to take on this prestigious responsibility.

Recalling the long-standing friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, the Russian foreign minister expressed hope that the 55th anniversary of bilateral relations in January next year would be celebrated through specific initiatives in trade, economy, culture and military-technical cooperation.

"Political dialogue between our two countries is developing steadily under the current political situation," Lavrov added, noting that Moscow wants to further advance bilateral relations through this visit.

Dr Khalilur conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reaffirming Bangladesh's commitment to further strengthening ties with Russia.

Recalling Moscow's cooperation during Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971, Khalilur expressed profound gratitude for the role of the former Soviet Union, particularly mentioning the contribution of the Soviet Navy in clearing mines from Chattogram port after independence.

"Trade, education, energy and defence cooperation between our countries continue to expand, and we want to further strengthen these sectors," he said.

The foreign minister described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a unique symbol of the growing partnership between the two countries and expressed hope that the project would be fully operational soon.

After the bilateral meeting, the two foreign ministers addressed a joint press conference. According to foreign ministry officials, the meeting also discussed mutual cooperation at the UN and other multilateral forums, as well as possibilities for increasing economic engagement between the two countries.

Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Russia has consistently exceeded 20 billion US dollars in recent years, with cooperation in energy, education and technical sectors also growing steadily.