STAR REPORT

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for finding a way to stop the Russia-Ukraine war peacefully through negotiations.

She made the call when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a courtesy call on her at the Gono Bhaban yesterday morning, reports BSS.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Jahid Tusher said the premier requested Russia to find a solution to the war so that the developing countries across the globe do not face economic risks over the crises of food, fuel and fertiliser arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter-sanctions.

“It is necessary to stop the war as soon as possible in a peaceful manner,” she said.

During the meeting, both the leaders said Bangladesh and Russia have been trusted friends for long. They stressed the need to further strengthen the existing relations.

Hasina called for increasing trade and commerce between the two friendly countries and also sought bigger Russian investment in Bangladesh.

In reply, Lavrov said they are thinking of importing readymade garment products from Bangladesh and investing in special economic zones here.

He sought specific proposals from Bangladesh regarding investments in economic zones and high-tech parks.

Describing Bangladesh as Russia’s second largest trade partner in South Asia, Lavrov stressed increasing communications between the businesspeople of the two countries.

Hasina recalled Russia’s contribution in the Liberation War and its assistance in removing mines from Chattogram and Mongla seaports soon after the 1971 war.

The Russian foreign minister lauded Bangladesh’s balanced and responsible stance on the Ukraine-Russia war.

The premier reiterated that Bangladesh follows this policy strongly for the sake of its overall socio-economic development.

About the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, Hasina said nuclear fuel will be imported to Bangladesh in October. She requested Russian President Vladimir Putin to join an event, to be organised marking the arrival of the nuclear fuel, virtually.

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