Russia wants Dhaka to reduce tensions domestically, also with India

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin today (22 December) called for reducing tensions in Bangladesh to create a conducive environment before the next national election scheduled for 12  February next year.

During his first interaction with a small group of journalists since his arrival in Dhaka, the Ambassador also highlighted the importance of reducing Bangladesh's tensions with its neighbour India. "The sooner you reduce tensions with India, the better."

The interactive session was held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Alexandra Khlevnoy, the Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, among others, spoke at the session.

Responding to a question, Ambassador Khozin said this (reducing tensions) is important for both countries and the entire South Asia region.

Touching upon geopolitical implications, he said they have read statements of both Bangladesh and India, including comments of Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and said the two sides are trying to find a balanced way to reduce tensions as soon as possible.

The Ambassador highlighted the role of India and Russia during 1971 and acknowledged India's help in gaining Bangladesh's independence - shoulder to shoulder together.

He said they are not interfering with the two countries' bilateral relations but they think it will be wise to find a way so that the tension does not escalate further from the current level.

The Ambassador said the relations should be based on mutual trust and confidence.

He welcomed the election date announced by the Election Commission and said they are expecting that the election will be held on time - February 12. "This (announcement of polls schedule) is a positive trend."

Regarding sending election observers, the Ambassador said they are in touch with the Election Commission and they are waiting for the official invitation from the Election Commission.

Ambassador Khozin said they are very much interested in creating such a positive, friendly and nonviolent and violation free atmosphere for the upcoming election. "This is very important for us."

He said they are interested in reducing the tension in Bangladesh as it is very important for the election. "For us and for me as Ambassador of my country, this is important to reduce tensions so that a congenial atmosphere can be created for the elections to be held."

Bangladesh-Russia relations

The Ambassador said Bangladesh remains their second largest trade partner in South Asia. For the past three years, despite the existing global hindrances, he said, the bilateral turnover steadily exceeded 2 billion US dollars.

He said Russia mainly exports machinery and agricultural products to Bangladesh and imports ready-made garments and textile goods.

"We hope that by the end of 2025 our turnover will also be significant – let's wait for the relevant statistics from our authorities at the beginning of the next year," said the Russian envoy.

He said Russia has been continuously contributing to the food security of Bangladesh being one of its key sources of food and agricultural products, including wheat and fertilizers. In 2025, the export volume of Russian wheat to Bangladesh is 2 million tons.

"This year we managed to achieve two times the increase in the supply of Russian fertilizers and mustard seeds to your country. We have also supplied almost 400 thousand tons of potash fertilizers to Bangladesh this year. Export of Russian veterinary vaccines has also increased by 25 percent," he said.

Ambassador Khozin said energy cooperation has always been the backbone of our economic relations.

"Our flagship development project is the construction of Bangladesh's first nuclear energy facility – Rooppur nuclear power plant. "Rosatom" State Corporation and its engineering division ASE are building the plant utilizing the most advanced engineering solutions, following the most stringent safety standards and environmental requirements," he said.

Once commissioned, he said, the Rooppur NPP will contribute to the stability of national energy security, providing an additional 2,400 MW to the grid.

Ambassador Khozin said nuclear power is low cost and environmentally friendly since NPPs produce nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover,he said, it will create an entire hi-tech industry for the benefit of Bangladesh's agriculture, health sector and engineering. 

"We have a number of other projects no less important in terms of their impact on people's life and economic prosperity of this country. The Russian company Gazprom has been present in Bangladesh since 2012 and proved itself as a reliable partner in exploring gas reserves," he said.

Through its assistance, Ambassador Khozin said, new gas fields have been identified on Bhola island to further contribute to national self-reliance. Gazprom has accumulated vast expertise on the tricky geological structure of Bangladesh with its specific features and stands ready to continue its services for the benefit of the nation.

"Another field of our bilateral cooperation is gas production. Since 2012, Russian company "Gazprom International" has designed and built about 20 wells, including 7 on Bhola island," he said.

Ambassador Khozin said a significant amount of natural gas has been discovered there. Gazprom is interested in continuing its operations in Bangladesh by participating in drilling, seismic survey and gas transportation projects.

The company's proposals for gas evacuation and exploration of new fields are under consideration.

Ambassador Khozin said Russian exporters of LNG and crude oil are in the discussion to arrange the supplies of these products on a long-term basis that will meet the needs of Bangladesh facing shortage of energy resources required for the rapidly developing economy and daily communal activities.

Besides, he said, Russian companies engaged in the sphere of renewable energy are ready to share their developments with the Bangladeshi partners, as well as to invest in this sector and open joint ventures.

Ambassador Khozin said a skilled work force from Bangladesh is in demand in many countries, and Russia has joined this list.

"We are proud of the success achieved in bilateral economic relations so far, but at the same time we have to admit that the full potential of trade and investment cooperation is yet to be fully tapped," he said.

Ambassador Khozin said they have all the prerequisites for the successful development of our ties in a variety of spheres.

"Our political cooperation is smooth as it is not challenged by any contradictions. We have similar positions on the key issues of international agenda, such as countering terrorism, cybercrime, neocolonialism and glorification of Nazism, preventing arms race, including in outer space," he said.

Ambassador Khozin said their nations share traditional values such as patriotism and strong family links. "In other words, there is fertile soil for our bilateral relations to flourish."