Bangladesh-Russia relations have proven to be resilient and strong both politically and economically, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky said on Thursday judging the outcomes of the year 2023, reports UNB.
"2024 seems to be equally promising," he said while speaking at DCAB Talk at Jatiya Press Club hosted by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
Together with Bangladeshi partners, the Ambassador said, they are eager to expand and diversify areas of mutual interest for the sake of people of the two countries.
"It leaves no one doubt that we have all prerequisites for that and share the same commitment," he added.
Speaking about economic cooperation, the Ambassador said Bangladesh remains Russia’s second largest trade partner in South Asia after India.
In January-November 2023, the trade volume amounted to $2,3 billion.
The Russian side is interested in diversification of its export basket by supplying machinery, equipment and technologies necessary for railway, road construction, building, metallurgy and other industrial spheres, said the envoy.
"Russia makes a significant contribution to Bangladesh food security. Despite artificial and counterproductive obstacles created by the Western countries, Moscow continues to export to Bangladesh key agro-industrial products, mainly wheat and fertilizers," he said.
In 2023, Bangladesh imported 2,7 mln tons of grain from Russia.
The Russian side is ready to expand the list of export items with edible oils, peas, chickpeas and lentils, said Ambassador Mantytsky.
"Energy has been the backbone of our cooperation. In 2023, Gazprom continued projects aimed at enhancing Bangladesh energy security," he said.
The drilling of three additional wells on Bhola Island was completed, bringing the total number of drilled wells to 20.
The company’s proposals for gas evacuation and exploration of new fields are under consideration.
"There are more offers and projects in the pipeline, such as the supply of Russian LNG and crude oil for further local refining, Russian solar energy technologies, upgrade of local power stations, and more," said Mantytsky.
The Rooppur NPP flagship project is moving according to the schedule.
Among the recent milestones, there is the installation of the passive heat removal system at Unit 2.
The first unit is expected to start pilot operation by the end of this year.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
