Bangladesh and Russia Strengthen Cooperation on Trade, Nuclear Energy and Technology
Photo Collected
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman concluded a three-day official visit to Russia this week, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral ties across the sectors of commerce, technology, and nuclear energy. The visit, which took place from June 7 to 9 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, served as Rahman’s first major international trip since assuming his cabinet post and his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During formal discussions held on June 8, both ministers reviewed the current state of regional and international affairs. A summary released by the Russian Embassy in Dhaka highlighted a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation, noting that existing trade volumes currently fall short of their full potential. To bridge this gap, the two nations explored the development of new payment channels and financial mechanisms designed to facilitate smoother trade and bolster economic integration.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Minister Rahman formally requested Russian support for a free trade agreement between Bangladesh and the Eurasian Economic Commission, a move intended to catalyze further investment. The discussions also addressed Bangladesh’s formal interest in joining the BRICS bloc and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Beyond traditional trade, the dialogue shifted toward high-tech cooperation, with both countries agreeing to collaborate on the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare and agriculture. Rahman extended an invitation for a Russian delegation to visit Bangladesh to explore these technological synergies, a proposal that Moscow received with interest.
The visit also reinforced the strategic partnership regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Rahman held a separate meeting with Alexey Likhachev, director general of Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, to review the project’s progress and discuss potential avenues for long-term cooperation in the nuclear energy sector.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Throughout the visit, Russia underscored its support for Bangladesh’s international profile. Minister Lavrov congratulated Rahman on his election as president of the 81st UN General Assembly session, pledging Russian support throughout his tenure. Rahman also held high-level discussions with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, further cementing the diplomatic framework established during the visit.
0%
0%
0%
0%
