Nuke Plant: Russian envoy hopeful of loan settlement issues

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

Dhaka, Jan 19 (UNB) - Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin on Sunday expressed optimism over settling the debt repayment issues for the Russia-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, stressing that the two countries are heading towards positive discussions to resolve the issue.

"We are ready to discuss (the matter) with the appropriate authorities - the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh. I am absolutely sure that this will be resolved,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they are moving in a positive direction.

The Russian Ambassador, who had separate meetings with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, said this sensitive issue is going to be discussed with specialists and professionals.

“However, I would not speculate at this moment,” he said, answering questions regarding the prospects of bilateral relations and joint projects, hoping that the payment will be done and settled.

During the talks, the two sides discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest and cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia in the international arena.

The Ambassador reiterated his country’s "commitment to unwavering support, cooperation and partnership" with Bangladesh to further strengthen the relations on all fronts.

He discussed issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation between the two countries during his separate meetings.

While talking to reporters after the meeting, Ambassador Khozin said he is very impressed to be here in Bangladesh after serving in other South Asian nations - India, Nepal and Pakistan - in various capacities.

He also talked about other areas of cooperation- food security, agriculture, shipbuilding- in addition to the Rohingya issue.

On December 30, 2024, Ambassador Khozin presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

During conversations with the President, Ambassador Khozin exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral relations.

"It is my sincere hope that during my tenure the bonds of friendship between Dhaka and Moscow will continue to thrive and strengthen through the mutually beneficial cooperation between our nations," Khozin wrote in the President Office guest book. - UNB