On July 13, Alexander Ignatov, Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh, paid a call on H.E. Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.  During the meeting, they discussed current and prospective issues of bilateral cooperation.

H.E. Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude for our country's support during the Liberation War in 1971 and assistance in restoring its economy after Bangladesh achieved independence. She reiterated that the Bangladeshi side is interested in further strengthening relations with Russia in all spheres and stressed the importance of attracting Russian investments in Bangladeshi economy and increasing the export of Bangladeshi goods to the promising vast market of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Russian Ambassador, on his part, noted a high level of the political dialogue, friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation between Moscow and Dhaka, as well as the recently increased intensity of trade and economic relations. Particularly, he mentioned that in 2015 the bilateral trade between Russia and Bangladesh reached a record volume of 1.64 billion USD.

Ambassador informed that Russian investors are interested in cooperation with Bangladesh, especially in readymade garments production, and underscored the necessity to establish direct ties between the central banks of the two countries, to start using national currencies in mutual settlement of payments in order to facilitate bilateral trade. He also stressed the importance of launching a Russia-Bangladesh intergovernmental committee as soon as possible.

Construction of Rooppur NPP, which is a key bilateral project, is progressing according to the negotiated plans. The relevant intergovernmental agreement providing for the Russian state credit is expected to be signed in the near future.

Ambassador also expressed condolences in connection with the terrorist attacks in Dhaka and Sholakia on July 1 and 7, and said that Russia is ready to support Bangladesh in fighting terrorism.