Bangladesh, Russia to Review Ties in Moscow Talks

Bangladesh and Russia are set to review bilateral relations and discuss major regional and global issues during high-level talks in Moscow between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on June 8.

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

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the visit will focus on assessing the current state of bilateral relations, exploring future areas of cooperation and exchanging views on key regional and international developments.

Moscow said political dialogue between the two countries has continued steadily despite changing political circumstances, with regular contacts maintained at various levels.

The visit marks Khalilur Rahman’s first official trip to Russia in his current role under the government formed after February’s parliamentary elections.

In addition to the ministerial meeting, the Bangladeshi foreign minister is also scheduled to meet senior leaders of the Federation Council of Russia’s Federal Assembly.

Russia described Bangladesh as an important partner in South Asia and highlighted ongoing cooperation in trade, energy, education and multilateral diplomacy.

Bilateral trade between the two countries has remained above US$2 billion in recent years. Russia primarily exports industrial equipment, mineral fertilisers and wheat to Bangladesh, while importing ready-made garments and seafood.

Moscow also identified the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as the flagship project of bilateral cooperation. According to Russian officials, the plant’s first power unit began operations on April 28, while the second unit may also become operational later this year.

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

Russia further noted expanding educational cooperation, saying 185 scholarships have been allocated to Bangladeshi students for the 2025–26 academic year under its federal scholarship programme.