Laying emphasis on expanding the areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought Russian investment in Bangladesh’s jute sector.

Sheikh Hasina said this when newly-appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Vikentyevich Mantytskiy met her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

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PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said both agreed to explore potential in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector and expand cooperation in other areas.

Hasina highly appreciated Russia’s cooperation with Bangladesh in its various sectors, particularly the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.

She recalled the cooperation and assistance of the then Soviet Union during the Liberation War of Bangladesh and after its independence.

The Prime Minister mentioned that many students had studied in Russia, especially in its medical colleges, and said those who had helped Bangladesh during its trying time have special places in the hearts of the people of this country.

She also said Bangladesh will be happy to receive Russian President Vladimir Putin here if he visits Bangladesh.

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Alexander Mantytskiy said he had been in Dhaka 20 years back and now found Bangladesh’s present development massive and remarkable.

He mentioned that the friendship between Bangladesh and Russian started back in 1971 when the then Soviet Union had extended cooperation to Bangladesh.

Mantytskiy mentioned that Bangladesh and Russia are working closely in the United Nations, while the trade and commerce between the two countries have increased substantially.

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Mantytskiy also expressed his country’s interest in building the second nuclear power plant in Bangladesh on completion of the Rooppur Power Plant.

Talking about various agreements between the two countries, he said those have to be updated, and put emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the defence sector.

Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus were present at the meeting.