Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday urged Russia to find out a way to stop the Russia-Ukraine war peacefully through negotiations.
She made the call when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a courtesy call on her at the latter’s official residence Ganabhaban here on Friday morning.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher briefed reporters after the meeting.
Sheikh Hasina said it is necessary to stop the war and establish peace as soon as possible. The world is suffering due to the food and fuel crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, war and economic sanctions and counter-sanctions, she added.
The premier asked for making a special consideration of the economic risks the LDCs and developing countries including African countries are facing due to the food-grains, fertilizer and energy crises induced by the war, sanctions and counter-sanctions as well as for finding a way out of it.
Appreciating Bangladesh's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war issue, Lavrov said Bangladesh's position on the war is ‘balanced’ and ‘responsible.’
In this context, Sheikh Hasina referred to Bangladesh's foreign policy of 'Friendship with All, Malice towards None,’ which was framed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Her government has been upholding this policy firmly and working for the country’s economy and its overall development maintaining a good relation with all.
She expressed her gratitude to Russia for standing beside Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War and contributing to removing mines from Chittagong and Mongla sea ports after the war.
Russia is a long-time trusted and tested friend of Bangladesh, said the prime minister.
Noting Bangabandhu’s visit to Russia in 1972 and her visits to Russia in 1982 and 2013, both of them put emphasis on strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.
In this context, the PM urged Russia to increase trade and investment in Bangladesh.
In response, Lavrov said Bangladesh is Russia's second largest trade and investment partner in South Asia. Russia is thinking about what other products alongside readymade garments it can import from Bangladesh, he said, asking the Bangladeshi businesspeople to come up with specific proposals in this regard.
He also called for specific investment proposals in special economic zones and hi-tech parks in Bangladesh.
The Russian FM emphasized on increasing communication between the businessmen of the two countries in terms of increasing trade and investment.
In the meeting, the latest progress of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was discussed and it was noted that the nuclear fuel for the plant will come in the first week of October next in the first phase.
The PM invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to participate virtually in a programme to be organised on the occasion of the arrival of nuclear fuel.
Lavrov thanked Bangladesh for building a nuclear power plant with the support of Russia.
He praised the overall progress of Bangladesh including socio-economic, infrastructure under the leadership of PM Hasina.
Noting a 300,000-ton wheat import agreement with Russia, the prime minister called for a long-term agreement on import of fertilizers from Russia as well.
While talking about energy cooperation, Lavrov assured that Russia will support Bangladesh in meeting its energy needs.
Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman, PM’s Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Science and Technology Secretary Ziaul Hasan, ERD Secretary Sharifa Khan and Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia Kamrul Ahsan were present during the meeting.
On Thursday evening, Lavrov arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit, the first by a Russian foreign minister since Bangladesh's independence in 1971.