Bangladesh, Russia to hold talks in Moscow

Bangladesh and Russia are set to review bilateral relations and discuss key regional and international issues during talks between Foreign Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

The meeting is taking place as part of Khalilur Rahman's three-day official visit to Russia from 7 to 9 June at the invitation of Lavrov, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry shared by the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Monday.

“The political dialogue between our countries is developing steadily, regardless of the current political situation. Contacts are maintained, including at the high level,” the ministry said.

The visit marks Khalilur Rahman's first trip to Russia in his current role. The Russian side noted that he represents Bangladesh's new government formed after the parliamentary elections held in February this year.

According to Moscow, the two ministers are expected to review the current state of Bangladesh-Russia relations and explore opportunities for expanding cooperation, while also exchanging views on major regional and international developments.

Russia described Bangladesh as a longstanding partner in South Asia and said political engagement between the two countries has continued to advance despite changes in domestic political circumstances.

As part of the visit, Khalilur Rahman is also scheduled to meet the leadership of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said cooperation remains active across a range of sectors, including trade, energy, education and multilateral diplomacy.

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

Moscow highlighted the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as the flagship project in bilateral relations. It said the plant's first power unit was commissioned on 28 April and that the second unit could also become operational this year.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to supply up to 10% of Bangladesh's electricity demand, according to the Russian side.

The ministry also pointed to growing educational cooperation, saying Russia has allocated 185 scholarships to Bangladeshi students for the 2025–26 academic year under its federal scholarship programme.