Dhaka, Moscow discuss trade, energy, investment cooperation

Bangladesh and Russia on today (8 June) discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in energy, trade and investment, while reviewing the current status and future prospects of bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, during which the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues, a senior official told UNB.

The Foreign Minister is on a three-day visit to Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart.

Following the bilateral talks, the two Foreign Ministers addressed a joint media briefing. This marks Dr Khalilur's first visit to Russia in his current capacity.

Dr Khalilur arrived in Moscow on Sunday (7 June), according to a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir is accompanying the Foreign Minister on the visit.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia Md Nazrul Islam received the delegation at the airport.

Ahead of the visit, Russia described the construction of Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant at Rooppur as the flagship project of bilateral cooperation, noting that the facility is expected to generate up to 10% of the country's total electricity once fully operational.

The Russian side said the project has laid the foundation for Bangladesh's nuclear energy sector and contributed to the training of qualified national personnel.

The first unit of the plant was commissioned on 28 April while the second unit could also be launched later this year.

Highlighting broader energy cooperation, Russia noted that its expertise in conventional energy remains in high demand in Bangladesh. Between 2012 and 2023, Gazprom International Limited, a subsidiary of PJSC Gazprom, drilled and completed turnkey projects for around 20 wells in Bangladeshi gas fields.

The Russian side also pointed to opportunities for expanding cooperation in education.

The previous meeting between the two foreign ministers took place in September 2023 during Lavrov's working visit to Dhaka.

The current visit also includes meetings with the leadership of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

Describing Bangladesh as a longstanding partner in South Asia, Russia recalled that it was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh's independence in 1972 and subsequently provided significant political and economic support.

Between 1972 and 1974, Soviet naval forces assisted in clearing mines and sunken vessels from Chattogram port and its surrounding waters.

According to the Russian side, political dialogue between the two countries has continued steadily, with contacts maintained at various levels, including the highest leadership.

Following the resumption of Bangladesh's Parliament earlier this year, contacts between the legislative bodies of the two countries are also expected.

The two countries continue to cooperate closely within the United Nations, its specialized agencies and other multilateral forums.

Bilateral trade has consistently exceeded US $2 billion annually in recent years. Russia's key exports to Bangladesh include industrial equipment, mineral fertilizers and wheat, while Bangladesh exports ready-made garments and seafood to Russia.

The Intergovernmental Russian-Bangladesh Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation remains the principal mechanism for advancing bilateral economic ties. The commission has held four meetings to date, with the most recent taking place virtually on 15 March 2023.

For the 2025-26 academic year, Russia has allocated 185 scholarships for Bangladeshi students under its federally funded education programme.