Bangladesh, Russia to Discuss Bilateral Relations and Global Issues in Moscow

Bangladesh and Russia are set to review the current state and future direction of bilateral cooperation, while also exchanging views on key regional and global issues, during talks between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on June 8.

“The political dialogue between our countries is developing steadily, regardless of the current political situation. Contacts are maintained, including at the high level,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement shared by the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday.

The discussions are scheduled to take place during Dr Rahman’s three-day official visit to Russia from June 7 to 9 at the invitation of Lavrov.

Describing the trip as Dr Rahman’s first visit to Russia in his current role, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that he represents the government formed after Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections in February this year.

During the meeting, the two foreign ministers are expected to review the status of Bangladesh-Russia relations and explore opportunities for expanding cooperation, alongside discussions on pressing regional and international developments.

Russia described Bangladesh as a long-standing partner in South Asia and stressed that bilateral political engagement has continued to progress despite shifts in the political landscape.

As part of the visit, the Bangladeshi foreign minister is also scheduled to meet senior leaders of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

According to Moscow, cooperation between the two countries remains robust across several sectors, including trade, energy, education and multilateral diplomacy.

Bilateral trade has remained above $2 billion annually in recent years. Russia primarily exports industrial machinery, mineral fertilisers and wheat to Bangladesh, while importing ready-made garments and seafood.

The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as the flagship project of bilateral cooperation, noting that its first power unit was commissioned on April 28 and that the second unit may also begin operations later this year.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to supply up to 10 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity demand, according to the Russian side.

Russia also pointed to expanding educational cooperation, stating that 185 scholarships have been allocated to Bangladeshi students for the 2025–26 academic year under its federal scholarship programme.