Moscow: Bangladesh and Russia are set to review the state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on key regional and international issues during talks between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on June 8.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions will take place during Dr Khalilur Rahman’s three-day official visit to Russia from June 7-9 at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. This marks Khalilur Rahman’s first visit to Russia in his current capacity, representing the new government formed after the parliamentary elections in February.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed that the political dialogue between the two countries is steadily developing, irrespective of the current political situation, with contacts being maintained at high levels. During the talks, the foreign ministers are expected to discuss the current status and future prospects of Bangladesh-Russia relations, alongside pressing regional and international issues.
The Russian side highlighted Bangladesh as a longstanding partner in South Asia, emphasizing that the bilateral political dialogue has continued to advance despite changes in political circumstances. The visit program also includes a meeting between the Bangladeshi foreign minister and the Federation Council leadership of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, cooperation between the two countries remains active in various areas, including trade, energy, education, and multilateral diplomacy. Bilateral trade has consistently exceeded US$2 billion in recent years, with Russia exporting industrial equipment, mineral fertilizers, and wheat to Bangladesh, while importing ready-made garments and seafood from Bangladesh.
The ministry also highlighted the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as the flagship project of bilateral cooperation, noting that the first power unit was commissioned on April 28, with the second unit potentially becoming operational this year. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate up to 10 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity demand.
Additionally, the Russian side pointed to growing cooperation in education, stating that 185 scholarships have been allocated to Bangladeshi students for the 2025-26 academic year under Russia’s federal scholarship program.