Staff Reporter :
Russia remains committed to supporting Bangladesh as a ‘key economic partner’ on the international stage, according to Aleksandr Mantytsky, the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh.
Ambassador Mantytsky made these remarks during a courtesy call on the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The discussion during the meeting focused on several key issues, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which Bangladesh is constructing with technical and financial assistance from Russia. They also explored the potential for increased cooperation in food security, energy exploration, and advancements in science and technology.
Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed gratitude for Russia’s support during Bangladesh’s War of Independence, highlighting the crucial mine-clearing operations conducted by Russia in the Chattogram Port.
The Chief Adviser urged the Russian envoy to facilitate the increase of imports from Bangladesh, especially of products beyond the readymade garments sector, which currently accounts for approximately 90 percent of Bangladesh’s exports to Russia. “It is necessary to diversify exports to Russia,” Professor Yunus emphasised.
Ambassador Mantytsky noted that Russia plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s economy by exporting essential food grains and fertiliser. Last year, Russia exported over 2.3 million tonnes of wheat to Bangladesh, with shipments exceeding two million tonnes so far in 2024.
The Ambassador also mentioned that the state-run Russian energy company Gazprom has shown interest in exploring five more gas wells on the island of Bhola, as well as additional onshore sites.
He further stated that the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is in its final stages and is expected to become operational next year. Additionally, Russia has expressed interest in exporting LNG to Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser called for an expansion of economic and educational cooperation, along with strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations, to further enhance bilateral relations.