We favour stronger ties with Russia

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

“We are all in favour of further strengthening our ties with Russia,” Dr Khalilur told his Russian counterpart during a bilateral meeting in Moscow.

The visit marks Dr Khalilur’s first bilateral trip to Russia as Foreign Minister. He is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Tuesday. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir is accompanying him on the visit.

Referring to his forthcoming role as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dr Khalilur sought Russia’s continued support.
“On both bilateral fronts and in terms of my discharge of responsibilities as the President of the UN General Assembly, I will rely on your help and support,” he said.

The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for Russia’s backing, which contributed to his election as President of the UNGA’s 81st session.

Acknowledging the increasingly complex global environment, Dr Khalilur said the upcoming UNGA session would face significant challenges.

“You are right, we are entering the 81st session against the backdrop of a very complicated world.

Forty years ago, I had the privilege of working with you at the UN, and those were simpler, more predictable days,” he said, noting that he had learned a great deal from his Russian counterpart during that period.

He observed that the world continued to face multiple crises, including threats to peace, development commitments and climate action.

“The world is not at peace,” he said, adding that there were growing concerns over setbacks in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“So, the task of the President of the General Assembly will not be easy,” he remarked.

Dr Khalilur also recalled Russia’s support for Bangladesh during the country’s 1971 Liberation War, describing it as a pivotal contribution.

“Russia was among the few countries that came forward to help Bangladesh achieve its independence. Without your very timely intervention, our struggle could have gone in a very different direction,” he said.

Highlighting the breadth of bilateral cooperation, the Foreign Minister said Bangladesh-Russia relations had expanded considerably in areas including trade, education, energy and defence.

“We continue to do that,” he said, referring to efforts to deepen cooperation.
He described the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as one of the landmark projects of bilateral collaboration.

“We have just completed the first fuel loading. We hope that it becomes operational soon,” the Foreign Minister said.