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'Bangladesh Friendship Society' has started its journey to strengthen Bangladesh-Russia bilateral relations, develop commercial ties and cultural exchange and make Russia a partner in developing Bangladesh.
Mia Sattar, a Bangladeshi in Russia, has become the organization's president.
The two countries' public and private high-level individuals are associated with the organization, said a media release on Wednesday.
The organization's formal launch began on Monday with the inauguration ceremony at a convention hall in Moscow.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen have sent messages wishing success to the organization.
First Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian Parliament Duma, former and current diplomats, public representatives of Russia, high-ranking officials of various ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of chambers of multiple countries and dignitaries were present at the ceremony.
Speakers in the program said, “Russia is called Bangladesh's friend in all seasons. Just as Russia stands by Bangladesh in hostile situations, it also stands by Bangladesh in good times. Bangladesh and Russia had very cordial relations since the days of our independence war. Russia, the then Soviet Union, not only supported our liberation war but also joined in reconstructing our war-torn country. Their navy demined the Chittagong Sea Port, thus opening our seaborne trade again.
They were among the first few countries to recognize Bangladesh immediately after independence. Even after independence, Russia has been playing a role as a genuine friend. The speakers expressed optimism that the organization will work to take Bangladesh-Russia relations to an extraordinary level.”
Chairman of the Presidium Board of the Russian Association for International Cooperation Kalashnikov Sergei Viacheslavovich, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs and Chairman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Zhurova Svetlana Sergievna, Chairman of the Russia-Bangladesh Business Council Shestakov Ilia Vasilievich, appointed to the Russian Federation Ambassador Kamrul Ahsan and others spoke on occasion.
In the welcome speech, Mia Sattar said Bangladesh Friendship Society is a non-profit organization. The organization will play a bridging role in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
He expressed his determination to work tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between the two friendly countries, including increasing the diplomatic relations between the two countries and creating a market for Bangladeshi products in Russia, added the release.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
