DHAKA: President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the Russian Federation to increase recruitment of Bangladeshi workers and simplify visa processes for Bangladeshi citizens. The call for cooperation came as Alexander G. Khozin, the new Russian ambassador-designate to Bangladesh, presented his credentials to the President at the Bangabhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, President Shahabuddin also encouraged the Russian government to facilitate the enrollment of more Bangladeshi students in Russian institutions, particularly in the medical field. He highlighted the ongoing positive relations between Bangladesh and Russia, which are expanding in areas such as trade and investment.
The President expressed appreciation for Russia’s supply of wheat and fertilizers to Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of collaborating on food security challenges. Additionally, he sought Russia’s strong support in addressing the repatriation of approximately 1.1 million Rohingya refugees to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
President Shahabuddin extended his best wishes to the Russian President, expressing hope for continued support and cooperation grounded in the historical friendship between Bangladesh and Russia. He also acknowledged Russia’s technical and financial assistance in projects like the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, stressing the importance of its timely completion.
The President voiced optimism that mutual cooperation, trade, and investment between the two countries would further flourish during Khozin’s tenure in Dhaka. The new ambassador, in turn, requested the President’s full cooperation in fulfilling his diplomatic responsibilities in Bangladesh.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury. The visit was marked by a ceremonial guard of honor for the envoy by the President Guard Regiment.