BD, Russia want to expand trade ties

Bangladesh and Russia have expressed willingness to expand economic ties exploring potential areas and deepen the relations on all fronts, reports UNB.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud discussed the issues when Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky met him at his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the city on Wednesday.

"We have discussed ways to expand the trade basket and more Russian investment in Bangladesh," Hasan told reporters after the meeting.

The foreign minister recalled the role of Russia during the War of Liberation in 1971 and its support in Bangladesh's rebuilding efforts.

During the War of Independence of Bangladesh, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) stood beside Bangladesh and thwarted international pressures and obstacles in the path to the creation of Bangladesh.

The Soviet Union was also among the first few countries to recognise the newly independent Bangladesh on January 25, 1972.

Immediately after the independence of Bangladesh, the USSR extended all-out support to the reconstruction efforts of the war-ravaged country. It also provided its valuable support to Bangladesh in acquiring international recognition and eventually joining the United Nations.