Russia is keen to forge closer ties with Bangladesh

Moscow: 21 May 2010

Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov expressed his keenness to intensify cooperation with Bangaldesh in wide-ranging fields and forge ties to the closest level possible and to work hand in hand. He expressed this keenness during an official meeting between the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister recalled with fondness the enormous contributions made by the former USSR to the independence of Bangladesh in 1971 as well as to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war ravaged country. She emphasized on the foundation of close bilateral relations laid-down by the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and conveyed the intension of her daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to renew that close-ties and revive that “natural” relationship through cooperation in all conceivable areas for mutual interests.

The two Foreign Ministers agreed on taking concrete steps and initiatives for enhancement of trade, promotion of Russian investment, collaboration on food security and agricultural development, strengthening cultural ties through exchange programmes. They also discussed the ways and means of enhancing bilateral trade and investments and removing barriers to trade. The two Ministers concurred on intensifying traditional cooperation in the areas of education and defense between the two friendly countries. Bangladesh Foreign Minister made special request for a permanent property for Bangladesh Mission in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister expressed his Government’s full support for establishing Nuclear Power Plants in Bangladesh. Both the Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction over the sighing of the “Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes”. Architect Yeafesh Osman, State Minister for Science and ICT signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, while Mr. Sergey Kirienko, Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation ‘Rosatom’ signed the deal on behalf of the Russian Government. Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, MP witnessed the signing ceremony. Both the Countries agreed to work jointly on further steps for the Nuclear Power Plants and speed up necessary actions.

Russia expressed its willingness to support Bangladesh in enhancing power-generation through modernization and rehabilitation of Russian built conventional power plants along with the technology of combined cycle generation and developing new unites of production to meet growing power deficit in Bangladesh. The two Foreign Ministers emphasized on working together in oil and gas exploration and development of the sector for which delegations of Russian State Company “Gazprom” will visit Bangladesh for assessment and conclusion of an MOU.

They also agreed to work together in the area of counter-terrorism and to develop a joint-working group for that purpose.

Russian Foreign Minister expressed that the Russian leadership was looking forward to receiving the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in Russia. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to finalize necessary preparations for the visit.

Dr. S. M. Saiful Hoque, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Russian Federation and AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Director-General (Europe and EU) were present in the Meeting.

 Bangladesh Embassy in Moscow launches a new website

 The Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni in presence of the Minister for Science and ICT opened today a new website of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Moscow.

Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes.

Moscow: 21 May 2010

Bangladesh and Russia signed, today, a “Framework Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes. Architect Yeafesh Osman, State Minister for Science and ICT signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, while Mr. Sergey Kirienko, Director General of the State Atomic Energy Corporation ‘Rosatom’ signed the deal on behalf of the Russian Government. Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, MP witnessed the signing ceremony.

As per the Agreement, the future cooperation between the two countries would include, among others, (i) design, construction and operation of nuclear power and research reactors (ii) Nuclear fuel supply, taking back the spent nuclear fuel and  nuclear waste management; (iii) personnel training and capacity building for operation and maintenance of the Plants, (iv) Research, education and training of personnel in the Russian Federation in the field of the use of nuclear energy (v) development of innovative reactor technologies in accordance with IAEA safety requirements, nonproliferation of nuclear weapons and environmental protection; and (vi) exploration and mining of uranium and thorium deposits.

As per the Agreement, the Parties shall assure the transfer of materials, technologies, equipment and services for implementation of joint programs in the field of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Parties shall establish a Joint Coordination Committee to control the implementation of this Agreement.

After the signing of the Agreement, Director General of Rosatom Mr. Sergey Kirienko, who is the former Prime Minister of Russia, expressed his full support and commitment for establishing Nuclear Power Plants in Bangladesh. A high-level delegation from Russia will visit Bangladesh soon to take forward next steps in implementing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project. The State Minister for Science and ICT and the Foreign Minister spoke on the determination of the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build nuclear power plants in meeting the rising power demand as well as materializing the vision 2021 of transforming Bangladesh into a digital country.  

Dr. S. M. Saiful Hoque, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Mr. Md. Abdur Rob Howlader, Secretary, Ministry of Science and ICT, Mr. AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Director General (Europe and EU), Dr. Farid Uddin Ahmed, Member, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, Project Director of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project were present at the signing ceremony.

The Bangladesh delegation also had an official meeting with State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” on 19 May 2010. The State Minister for Science and ICT emphasized the need for nuclear power option in meeting increasing power shortage and the election pledge of present government for the nuclear power Project. Bangladesh side requested the Russian Authorities to assist in establishing two Nuclear Reactors with the capacity of 1000 MW each.

Mr. Nikolay Spasskiy, the Deputy Director General, International Cooperation of ROSATOM termed Bangladesh as a strategic partner of Bangladesh. He emphasized that in case of Bangladesh, Nuclear Energy is the best choice to meet the growing energy needs in Bangladesh. He appreciated that Bangladesh has good number of scientific and technical personnel and socio-economic condition of Bangladesh is suitable to go for Nuclear Power Plant Project.

Both the countries agreed that the signing of the “Agreement” would be followed by the subsequent “inter-governmental agreements” on technical and financial aspects.

Bangladesh is a key partner of Russia in the areas of trade and investment: President Dmitry Medvedev

Moscow, 16 December 2009

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev termed Bangladesh as a key partner of Russia in the areas of trade and investment. President Medvedev made this remark while Dr. S. M. Saiful Hoque, Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia presented his credentials to him at the Alexander Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace today (Wednesday, 16 December 2009). President Medvedev called Bangladesh as most important partner of Russia in South Asia as well as in the multilateral forums. He appreciated Bangladesh’s constructive role in multilateral diplomacy.

Dr. Hoque along with 12 other newly appointed ambassadors presented credentials to President Medvedev today. The event assumed special significance as it coincided with the victory day of Bangladesh, with which the Kremlin was actively engaged. Bangladesh Ambassador took the occasion to express his country’s warm gratitude to the Government and the Peoples of Russia for their unflinching support and enormous contribution to Bangladesh’s independence. Bangladesh Ambassador expressed his firm conviction to reach the bilateral relations to that extent, which over the years, had followed a low-key.

Dr. Hoque particularly raised the issue of energy crisis in Bangladesh and sought Russian support in this field. He underlined the need of urgent implementation of proposed Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh. Dr. Hoque drew the attention of the President to the extreme vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change and sought Russian support in addressing this challenge. President Medvedev assured full support of Russia in all these areas.

President Medvedev expressed his satisfaction over the appointment of Dr. Saiful Hoque as Ambassador of Bangladesh to Russia, who had studied in Russia and have wider exposure to Russian culture and tradition. Terming the assignments ahead as challenging, President Medvedev expressed his full confidence on Dr. Hoque and wished him best of luck in discharging his duties and assured him of his full support and cooperation.

Earlier Dr. Saiful Hoque was escorted with special protocol from the Embassy of Bangladesh and was greeted with a guard of honour by a smart contingent of the Presidential Regiment on his arrival at the entrance of Kremlin.
 

Russia is willing to promote trade cooperation with Bangladesh

Moscow, 13 November 2009

Dr. Yevgeny Primakov, head of the Russian Chamber of Trade and Industry, expressed his keen interest to promote Bangladesh-Russia bilateral trade, which, as he states, remains at a low level despite huge potentials. Dr. Primakov expressed this interest, while Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia Dr. S.M. Saiful Hoque called on him today. A broad range of issues of mutual interests was discussed.

During the meeting, Ambassador Saiful Hoque, recalled with great fondness the contribution of Russia in Bangladesh’s liberation war and its subsequent contribution to the reconstruction of post-war infrastructure in Bangladesh. He specially thanked Mr. Primakov for his continued empathy and support for Bangladesh. Dr. Primakov, the former Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and a leading orientalist, is a great friend of Bangladesh.

Both discussed in details the ways and means of further promoting the trade relations between the two countries. The former Prime Minister acknowledged Bangladesh’s huge potentials and called for proactive role by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to familiarize their quality products with Russian consumers. He advised to arrange permanent exhibitions for Bangladeshi exportables, in various regions of Russia. Mr. Primakov also underscored the need for more frequent visit of trade delegations from both the sides.

Dr. Primakov assured his full support to reach Bangladesh-Russia bilateral relations to a new height.

Protocol signed between Bangladesh and Russia on co-operation in atomic energy

Moscow, 22 October 2009

Bangladesh and the Russian Federation have signed a Protocol in Moscow on 21 October 2009 on the co-operation in the field of peaceful usage of atomic energy during the visit of a nine member Bangladesh delegation headed by the Hon’ble State Minister for Science and ICT Architect Yeasfes Osman. Mr. Md. Neazuddin Miah, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Science and ICT of Bangladesh and Mr. Mikhail N. Lysenko, Director of the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” of Russia signed the Protocol on behalf of their respective Governments.

According to Protocol, a Joint Working Group between Bangladesh and Russia will be formed and its composition and schedule of work will be defined in the working process. As per Protocol, it was agreed to arrange further exchange of visits from both the sides particularly at experts’ level. The Bangladesh side will prepare the proposals by the end of 2009 on organization of meetings of their experts with Russian specialists on the most practical issues of mutual cooperation.

The attention of Bangladesh delegation was drawn to the possibilities in connection with the development of national program and its essential parts – legal framework in the area of peaceful usage of nuclear energy. Bangladesh delegation sought support from Russian Federation in establishing nuclear power plant and the Russian side assured of extending all possible assistance to Bangladesh in this regard.

The issue of signing the framework agreement on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was discussed. The main procedural issues on completion of negotiating the text of Agreement and carrying out its technical revise in Russian, English and Bengali were finalized. The draft Agreement is under examination and soon it would be ready for signature. It was agreed that it will be signed at a mutually convenient time.

Practical steps on the realization of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the State Corporation “Rosatom” on cooperation in the area of peaceful usage of nuclear energy, signed in May 2009 in Dhaka, were discussed.

Extensive programmes were arranged for Bangladesh delegation during their visit from 18-22 October. The Bangladesh delegation was presented with the key directions of activities of “Rosatom”. They also visited to the unit 4 (four) of Kalininskaya Nuclear Power Plant and to the crisis management center of “Energoatom Concern”. On each occasion, extensive presentations were made which were followed by substantive discussions and consultations. The crisis management center is an integral part of the NPP to ensure full safety and security of the NPP round the clock. The Russian Crisis Center is based on a concept embracing the best experience and ideas of the leading nuclear powers, the United States and France, and underpinned by up-to-date information technologies, computer equipment and telecommunications.

A meeting was held between Bangladesh delegation and the senior management of “Atomstroyexport”, the sole Russian Company to undertake Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Project Management (EPCM) in Nuclear Power Plant abroad. It revealed from their presentation that the third generation NPP using the state-of-the-art technology has an estimated life of 60 years with the provision of extension by another 20 years. Bangladesh delegation also made a presentation on “Power System Planning of Bangladesh-Status of Nuclear Power Programme”.

A meeting was held between the Bangladesh delegation and Mr. S.V. Kiriyenko, Former Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Director General of “Rosatom”. During the meeting, the basic issues of the current Russia- Bangladesh co-operation and its perspectives were discussed. Hon’ble State minister recalled with fondness that the Government and people of the Russian Federation stood shoulder to shoulder in Bangladesh’s liberation war. “Our great leader father of the nation Bangobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was respected very much by our Russian friends and today, his daughter Sheikh Hasina is in power” he added. Architect Yeafes Osman expressed his hope that the government and the great people of Russia would share the same warm feeling and sentiment for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the People of Bangladesh”. Bangladesh State Minister also noted that the present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had declared her vision 2021 to make a digital Bangladesh with the aim of reaching Bangladesh to a middle income country. Accordingly, the Government has outlined the target of generating 20,000 MW electricity by 2021 to ensure universal electrification in Bangladesh. He stressed that to meet that objective, nuclear energy is a major option for Bangladesh. The Former Prime Minister of Russia concurred with the current situation in Bangladesh and assured of providing all possible support to Bangladesh in this regard.

The other members of the delegation comprise Alhaj Md. Dabirul Islam, Hon’ble M.P. and President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Science and ICT, Dr. S. M. Saiful Hoque, Ambassador of Bangladesh in Russia, Mr. Muhammad Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan Secretary, ERD, Mr. A. K. M. Abdul Awal Mazumder, Secretary, Ministry of Science and ICT, Mr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Secretary, Power Division, Mr. Md. Neazuddin Miah, Additional Secretary Ministry of Science and ICT, Dr. Farid Uddin Ahmed
Member (Physical Science), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akber, Principle Scientific Officer and Project Director of Rooppur Nuclear Power Project.

The delegation members are scheduled to return Dhaka on 23 October.

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated in Bangladesh Embassy Moscow

Moscow, 20 September 2009:

The holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest Islamic festival, is being celebrated across the Russian Federation, today, amid religious fervour and festivity after month-long fasting. The biggest Eid-Jamat of the expatriate Bangladeshis in greater Russia was held in Bangladesh embassy premises. A number of devotees irrespective of their social standing attended Eid congregation amid enthusiasm and with due solemnity.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Russia, Dr. S. M. Saiful Hoque welcomed the respected guests and urged the Bangladeshi community to withstand the spirit of fraternity and amity of holy Eid and to remain united abroad absolving all kinds of differences. He expresses his keenness to extend all sorts of support and cooperation to the expatriate Bangladeshis in Russia.

To mark the day, Bangladesh Embassy was decorated with banners inscribed with 'Eid Mubarak' in Bengali and Arabic. The national flag was hoisted atop as per Government’s decision.

Maulana K.M. Fariduddin Mahmud conducted the Eid congregation. Special prayer was offered seeking divine blessings for peace and progress of the country, welfare of and greater unity among the people of Bangladesh.

On this occasion, Bangladesh Embassy Moscow hosted a reception. All expatriate Bangladeshis in greater Russian Federation were invited. A large number of the community members along with their family members, irrespective of their religious and political beliefs, attended the reception.

To add to the festivities, a cultural programme was arranged with the spontaneous participation of the local Bangladeshi artists.

The NRBs in Russia expressed their satisfaction over the grand arrangements by the Bangladesh Embassy in celebration of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr.