Dhaka: Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin today paid a courtesy call on Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid at the Agriculture Ministry conference room in the secretariat. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including agriculture, food security, and import-export trade between the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister welcomed the ambassador at the outset of the meeting, while Khozin congratulated him on assuming office as a member of the cabinet. The minister highlighted that Russia is a long-tested friend of Bangladesh, noting that for more than 50 years, the country has been extending cooperation in agriculture, technology, and other sectors.
A significant portion of non-urea fertilizers, particularly MOP (Muriate of Potash), is imported from Russia, and the minister urged the ambassador to ensure an uninterrupted supply in the future. He also encouraged Russia to increase imports of Bangladeshi agricultural products such as potatoes, mangoes, cucumbers, and processed foods.
Ambassador Khozin expressed his country’s interest in further strengthening cooperation in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, stating that Russia regularly imports potatoes and other agricultural products from Bangladesh. He also showed interest in supplying fertilizers and seeds, as well as in agricultural mechanization. The minister expressed optimism about working together with Russia in these areas.
Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul E Mohamed, senior officials of the ministry, and First Secretary of the Russian Embassy Anastasia Nemova, among others, were present at the meeting.