Diplomatic Correspondent :
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed concerns about the Indo-Pacific strategy pursued by the United States and its allies, stating that they are actively advancing their interests in the region.
“If we take a look at the situation the United States and its allies are truly trying to promote their interests in this region by the so-called indo-pacific strategy.
Their goal is to detach China from Russia from this region.
This is an expansionist drive,” he said.
He said that after holding a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in a city hotel on Thursday evening.
Russian Foreign Minister admitted that the supply chain to sending materials to Rooppur Power Plant was delayed due to the sanctions imposed by the Western countries including the US, but the project will continue as per the schedule.
“The flagship project the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant is progressing according to schedule, with the first batch of nuclear fuel set to arrive in Bangladesh in October.
The power plant is absolutely transparent,” Lavrov said.
Lavrov commended Bangladesh’s commitment to pursuing its national interests and foreign policy despite external pressures from the United States and its allies.
Regarding Rohingya issue, he said that it was a matter of global concern and stressed Russia’s support for the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and the creation of a viable environment for their return.
“We believe in sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas and the viable environment should be created there.
We will continue our engagement with Myanmar to do so.
However, certain outside players use this topic to exert pressure on one of the parties and to interfere into its domestic affairs.
I believe, it is counterproductive and unacceptable,” he said.
Lavrov expressed his gratitude for the warm invitation to Bangladesh during his historic visit to Dhaka.
This marked his first visit to the country, emphasising the significance of the longstanding diplomatic ties between Russia and Bangladesh, which have been built on a foundation of friendship for over five decades.
He highlighted the resilience of bilateral relations despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both nations have maintained political dialogues and expanded trade and business relations across various sectors.
Bangladesh stands as Russia’s second-largest partner in South Asia after India.
Regarding trade, Lavrov noted that bilateral trade volumes have grown steadily, reaching around USD three billion in 2022.
“Russia is also engaged in promising projects in the gas fields, with Russian companies actively drilling wells.
Some Russian firms are eager to supply LNG to Bangladesh, and discussions have taken place regarding the supply of wheat and fertilizers,” he said.
In addition to economic cooperation, the two countries discussed scholarships for Bangladeshi students to study in Russia, underlining their commitment to fostering educational and cultural exchanges.
Earlier Russian Foreign Minister arrived in Dhaka on Thursday evening.
He was transported from Jakarta, by a special flight that landed at Shahjalal International Airport around 6 PM.
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen welcomed him at the airport.
From the airport, Sergey Lavrov proceeded to the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka where the the two foreign ministers held formal talks on multifaceted bilateral issues.
Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to have an audience with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganobhaban on Friday morning.
On Friday afternoon, he will depart for New Delhi, from Dhaka.
Before leaving for India’s capital, Lavrov will meet with a delegation of distinguished individuals in Bangladesh who have contributed to Bangladesh during the time of the Soviet Union.
Ministry of the foreign affairs of Russian in a tweet said: “A historic moment as this is the very first visit of a Russian Foreign Minister to Bangladesh.”
