Bangladesh, Russia to review bilateral ties, discuss regional issues in Moscow talks

Bangladesh and Russia are set to review the state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation and exchange views on key regional and international issues during talks between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow today (8 June).

"The political dialogue between our countries is developing steadily, regardless of the current political situation. Contacts are maintained, including at the high level," said the Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement disseminated by the Russian embassy in Dhaka today.

The discussions will take place during Dr Khalilur Rahman's three-day official visit to Russia from 7-9 June at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, it added.

"This is Khalilur Rahman's first visit to Russia in his current capacity," the Russian Foreign Ministry said, noting that he represents the new government formed following the parliamentary elections held in February this year.

During the talks, the two foreign ministers are expected to discuss the current state and future prospects of Bangladesh–Russia relations, alongside pressing issues on the regional and international agenda.

The Russian side described Bangladesh as a longstanding partner in South Asia and emphasised that bilateral political dialogue has continued to advance despite changes in political circumstances.

The visit programme also includes a meeting between the Bangladeshi foreign minister and the leadership of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, cooperation between the two countries remains active in a range of areas, including trade, energy, education, and multilateral diplomacy.

Bilateral trade has consistently exceeded $2 billion in recent years. Russia mainly exports industrial equipment, mineral fertilisers, and wheat to Bangladesh, while importing ready-made garments and seafood from Bangladesh.

The ministry highlighted the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as the flagship project of bilateral cooperation, noting that the first power unit was commissioned on 28 April, while the second unit could also become operational this year.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to generate up to 10% of Bangladesh's electricity demand, said Moscow.

The Russian side also pointed to growing cooperation in education, saying 185 scholarships have been allocated to Bangladeshi students for the 2025–26 academic year under Russia's federal scholarship programme.