Russia has described the construction of Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant in Rooppur as the flagship project of the bilateral partnership, noting that once fully operational, the nuclear power plant will provide up to 10% of the country's total electricity generation.
Based on Russian technology, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, the foundation for Bangladesh's nuclear industry has been laid, and qualified national personnel have been trained for it.
The first power unit was commissioned on April 28, and the second unit could also be launched this year.
“Russian expertise in conventional energy is in high demand in Bangladesh. Between 2012 and 2023, Gazprom International Limited, a subsidiary of PJSC Gazprom, drilled and completed turnkey projects for approximately 20 wells in Bangladeshi gas fields,”said the Russian side.
There are also prospects for expanding cooperation in education.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, who is paying a three-day visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reached Moscow on Sunday, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.
Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir is accompanying the Foreign Minister.
Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia Md Nazrul Islam and representatives of the Russian government received the Foreign Minister and the Adviser at the airport.
The previous contact between the heads of the two countries' foreign ministries took place in September 2023 during Sergey Lavrov's working visit to Dhaka.
This is Dr Khalilur Rahman's first visit to Russia in his current capacity.
He represents the new Government of Bangladesh, formed following the parliamentary elections in February this year.
During the talks scheduled for today (June 8), the parties will discuss the status and prospects of Russian-Bangladesh cooperation and exchange views on current issues on the international and regional agendas, said the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The visit also includes a meeting between the distinguished guest and the leadership of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
Dhaka is a long-standing partner of Moscow in South Asia. In 1972, our country was one of the first to recognize Bangladesh's independence and provided it with significant political and economic support, said the Russian side.
Between 1972 and 1974, Soviet naval forces cleared mines from Bangladesh's main port of Chittagong and its surrounding waters of sunken ships.
The political dialogue between our countries is developing steadily, regardless of the current political situation. Contacts are maintained, including at the highest level, said the Russian government.
In connection with the resumption of the Bangladesh Parliament in February this year, contacts are planned between the highest legislative bodies.
Constructive cooperation has been established within the UN, its specialized agencies, and other multilateral structures.
For several years in a row, bilateral trade has consistently exceeded $2 billion. Russia's main exports are industrial equipment, mineral fertilizers, and wheat.
"Our country primarily imports ready-made garments and seafood from Bangladesh. The Intergovernmental Russian-Bangladesh Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation is the primary mechanism for coordinating joint efforts to strengthen business ties," said the Russian side.
To date, it has held four meetings, the most recent of which was held on March 15, 2023, via videoconference.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, 185 scholarships have been allocated to Bangladeshi citizens to study in Russia, financed by the federal budget.