‎Bangladesh, Russia Deepen Strategic Ties Through High-Level Moscow Talks on Trade, Technology, and Nuclear Cooperation

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following a high-level visit to Moscow by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman from June 7 to 9. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Russian government and included Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir.

‎A key highlight of the visit was the official meeting between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on June 8. The two leaders held extensive discussions covering a broad range of bilateral and international issues. During his stay in Moscow, Rahman also met Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, where both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.
‎Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Both countries acknowledged the potential for significant growth in bilateral trade and explored new payment channels and financial mechanisms aimed at facilitating commercial exchanges. Bangladesh also sought Russian support in advancing a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Commission, a move expected to enhance market access and economic cooperation.
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‎In the multilateral arena, Bangladesh expressed its interest in becoming a full member of both BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), signaling Dhaka’s intention to deepen engagement with emerging global platforms.
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‎During the talks, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and pledged Russia’s support for Bangladesh’s leadership role within the UN framework.
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‎The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation in advanced technologies, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare and agriculture. Rahman proposed the dispatch of a Russian delegation to Bangladesh to further discuss AI collaboration, an initiative that received a positive response from the Russian side.
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‎Nuclear energy cooperation remained a major focus of the visit. Foreign Minister Rahman met with Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev to review progress on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Bangladesh’s largest energy infrastructure project. The discussions also explored future opportunities for Russia-Bangladesh cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
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‎The visit underscored the growing strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Russia, with both countries expressing a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across trade, technology, energy, and multilateral diplomacy.