Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy has said exploration of two more wells is expected to begin this year, noting that recently the Gazprom International Investments B.V. launched drilling of a new well in the gas fields of Bhola Island.
“Hopefully, this initiative will contribute to exploring the own mineral resources of Bangladesh and consolidating the energy security of the country,” he said.
The Russian Embassy hosted a roundtable on Wednesday titled “Six Months of the Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine: Its Results and Perspectives and Russia-Bangladesh Relations in the Context of Economic Crisis.”
The Russian envoy said a number of other initiatives regarding the supplies of Russian crude and refined oil as well as on modernization of the local power infrastructure are being discussed both at the intergovernmental and business-to-business levels.
He said their economic ties are not limited by the energy sector. “With major logistical obstacles being removed, the negotiations are ongoing between Moscow and Dhaka to resume wheat purchase on a G-to-G basis through the direct procurement method.”
At the initial stage, the envoy said, the possibility to deliver two-three lakh tons of Russian grain will be elaborated on.
The Russian side also stands ready to supply potash fertilizers according to the previously signed contract, as the American sanctions no longer cover non-organic fertilizers and other essential food goods.
Besides, there is a growing interest in Russia to procure Bangladeshi medicine and agricultural products.
On February 2 this year, JSC Glavkosmos and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited signed the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of promotion of products and services of the Russian space industry in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh including manufacturing and launch of “Bangabandhu-2” Earth observation satellite system.
Both sides are willing to proceed with the said undertaking regardless of possible temporary hardships caused by the global political and economic situation, said the envoy.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which remains invariably committed to continuing the implementation of joint projects despite an “unprecedented, impudent external pressure”.
Now, as Russia and Bangladesh mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, such a determined and constructive attitude once again proves the strength and solidity of the time-tested bonds of friendship between the two countries, said the ambassador.
The envoy said stability of the global food, energy and financial markets could be restored only through reducing transportation and logistical tensions, ensuring unhindered supplies.
“There is the only way to achieve it: the real abolition of all unilateral coercive measures imposed by the Western countries,” he said.
The bilateral trade operations are being carried out successfully through the other Russian banks not affected by the Western restrictions.
Moreover, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and the Bangladesh Bank remain in close contact discussing the ways to open correspondent accounts, said the envoy.
“The plots of Washington and its allies have not shattered our fruitful cooperation in the energy sector. The construction of the Rooppur NPP is being carried out without hindrances and according to the schedule,” said the envoy.
