Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday said Bangladesh is the second largest business partner among the South Asian countries.
Describing Bangladesh as a good and long-standing friend, the Russian Foreign Minister also said Russia encourages continuous negotiations with Myanmar on Rohingya issue and expressed hopes of finding a solution to this crisis.
The Russian Foreign Minister came up with these remarks at a joint press briefing immediate after a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at a hotel in the capital Dhaka on Thursday night.
This is the first visit to Bangladesh by any Russian Foreign Minister since independence.
In his speech, the Russian Foreign Minister said they agreed to boost and strengthen trade and investment relations with Bangladesh alongside intensifying bilateral contact.
Blasting foreign meddling, the Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said, “Russia does not support a foreign country interfering into another country’s internal matter.
Talking about Roopur Nuclear Power Plant, the Russian Foreign Minister said, “We are trying to finish the project on time. However, western countries, including US are trying to create hindrances through imposing sanctions.”
“It is up to the countries in which currencies they will run their trade and commerce”, said Lavrov.
Lavrov said they discussed Rohingya issue, trade and investment and exports of LNG and fertilizer.
Lavrov mentioned Russia and Bangladesh have been able move forward their bilateral relationship despite different obstacles.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said during the bilateral meeting, the Russian Foreign Minister talked about flagship project- Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant and laid emphasis on its implementation in a consistent manner.
"We are highly delighted as the Russian Foreign Minister is visiting Bangladesh for the first time. We have deep relations with Russia," said Foreign Minister Momen.
"We don't want war. We want all issues get resolved through dialogue and discussion," Momen said.
Lavrov arrived in Dhaka on Thursday on a two-day work visit which is seen as an important development amid the changed global scenario.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen received his Russian counterpart at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 6:17 pm.
The Russian Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Friday) morning.
He is also scheduled to visit Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi before his departure on Friday.
The Russian Foreign Minister will attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9-10.