Russia open to joint projects, mutually beneficial initiatives: Envoy
The erstwhile Soviet Union was one of the first to recognise Bangladesh, on 25 January, 1972. Since then, friendly relations have been established between Bangladesh and Russia.
Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin today (25 March) expressed optimism that cooperation with the new government of Bangladesh will yield the best results for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
"We appreciate that, more than 50 years later, Bangladeshis remember the contribution of the Soviet Union to their country's development with warmth and gratitude. Today, Russia is open to joint projects and mutually beneficial bilateral initiatives," said the Russian ambassador in a congratulatory message marking Bangladesh's Independence Day, which falls on 26 March.
The erstwhile Soviet Union was one of the first to recognise Bangladesh, on 25 January, 1972. Since then, friendly relations have been established between Bangladesh and Russia.
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Soviet specialists assisted the Bangladeshi people in economic recovery, and sailors conducted mine-clearing operations in the port of Chattogram.
"I congratulate my Bangladeshi friends on Independence Day. I sincerely wish you success and prosperity," said Ambassador Khozin.
He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the 55th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. "This day marks the beginning of a key stage in the country's history."
For the Bangladeshi people, he said, the path to sovereignty was thorny.
The ambassador said Britain's colonial policy, based on the principle of "divide and rule," aggravated tensions on the Indian subcontinent, which subsequently triggered the liberation struggle in the territory of present-day Bangladesh.
The declaration of independence on 26 March, 1971, united the Bangladeshi people with a common goal and marked the beginning of a powerful national movement for the creation of a sovereign state, said the Russian envoy.
This struggle was based on the Bangladeshis' deep respect and love for their language and culture, as well as their desire to determine their own destiny.
"As a sovereign state, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable results. The country has established large-scale industrial production and become a world leader in textiles," said the ambassador.
It has achieved impressive growth rates that remained significantly above the global average even during crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ambassador Khozin said Bangladesh is rightfully proud of its natural resources, including the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest on Earth and a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The country strives to introduce the world to its culture and traditions, such as the unique rickshaw painting technique, recognised as Unesco intangible cultural heritage.
As a result, the envoy said, more and more people around the world are showing interest in Bangladeshi culture.
Internationally, he said Bangladesh has gained recognition as a voice of the Global South and a responsible member of the international community that actively promotes the Sustainable Development Goals.
The ambassador said Bangladesh is considered a leader in contributing troops and police contingents to UN peacekeeping operations.
Dhaka has deployed over 200,000 peacekeepers, demonstrating its commitment to international peace and security, Ambassador Khozin said.
