Moscow: Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday held discussions with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev focusing on future cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia in the field of nuclear energy. The talks took place during Dr Rahman’s official three-day visit to Russia.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the discussions included a review of the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the plant’s first power unit was successfully commissioned on April 28, with the possibility of launching the second unit by the end of the year.
Russia regards the construction of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a flagship project in its bilateral partnership with Bangladesh. The plant is expected to contribute up to 10% of Bangladesh’s total electricity generation once it becomes fully operational. Built using Russian technology, the plant has laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s nuclear industry, and national personnel have been trained for its operation, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
In addition to his meeting with Likhachev, Dr Khalilur Rahman also met with Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. Both sides exchanged views on various matters of mutual interest and expressed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The meetings were attended by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.