AMBASSADOR\'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends,
It is an honour to address you, the people of Bangladesh, on the occasion of Russia Day - the national day of the Russian Federation. Today we honour our country that we love and take pride in. As Rabindranath Tagore wrote in his Letters from Russia, whichever way you look in Russia, you are filled with wonder, as it is unlike any other country, it is radically different indeed.
June 12 in modern Russia is a date that commemorates the beginning of a fundamental transformation. On this day in 1990, the Declaration of State Sovereignty was adopted which was a symbolic step towards the renewal of our country. Over the years, June 12 has become a holiday uniting different nations of the Russian Federation by feelings of patriotism and love for the Motherland. Russia has proved that it is able to transform itself, make dramatic breakthroughs toward a new political, economic and social order, overcome difficulties and not just adapt to changes but achieve great successes.  
Russia is open for partnership and cooperation. The core of the Russian foreign policy is the aspiration for global peace and equality. Our country has always been at the forefront in opposing those who aimed at undermining international stability and eternal human values. Looking back into history, one can remember the heroism and self-sacrifice of Russian people during the World War II against Nazism. Like no other country in the world, Russia knows the cost of independence, peace and adherence to its culture. The role, which the Soviet Union played in decolonisation and promoting international relations principles, such as the independent development of nations and their right to self-determination, is undeniable. Guided by these principles, Russia stood by the side of Bangladeshi people during the Liberation War of 1971 and was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh as an independent state.
This year Russia and Bangladesh celebrate the 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. And we are proud to acknowledge that our countries have been united by strong ties of friendship based on mutual respect and trust.
We appreciate that our Bangladeshi friends have not forgotten the role that Russia played in achieving the independence of their country and express gratitude for the former Soviet Union's help in reviving the economy of young Bangladesh. That was especially evident last December, when a group of Russian sailors who helped clear the port of Chittagong of mines and sunken ships in 1972-1974 visited Bangladesh and were honoured as true friends and real heroes.   
Nowadays, cooperation between Russia and Bangladesh is developing in many spheres. We share common stance on major international issues and maintain regular political contacts. Successful examples of our joint work include the entry into force of a bilateral agreement on visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passports holders early this year. Economic collaboration between our countries is on the rise. As of the end of 2016 we had a record-high trade turnover for two years in a row, which exceeded $1.4 billion.
These days we are successfully progressing in realising jointly a dream of your nation - that of entering the atomic era. I am speaking of the largest ever Russian-Bangladeshi project - building Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Pabna. When completed it will contribute greatly to solving the power deficit problem and thus ensure smooth economic development of the country.
An important field of our bilateral cooperation is education which is essential for the successful development of Bangladesh. Since the 1970s, over five thousand students from Bangladesh have graduated from Russian institutions of higher education. In 2017, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation allocated 53 full-paid scholarships, 20 of them - for nuclear science. We are working to increase the number of governmental scholarships for students from Bangladesh.
It is inspiring to see the progress of Bangladesh in social and economic spheres. It has achieved impressive growth rates, reduced poverty level and now has a real prospect of becoming a middle-income country in the foreseeable future. I believe that further development of trade and economic ties between Russia and Bangladesh will both contribute to economic welfare of Bangladesh and make a positive impact on Russian economy.
Today, the world is facing a number of serious challenges, among which the terrorist threat is the most pressing one. We strongly believe that a reliable solution to the problems of the modern world can only be achieved through untiring cooperation between all states. And we are looking forward to working closely with Bangladesh for the sake of progress and stability. I am convinced that in the years ahead our countries will open up new horizons of cooperation and warm relations between Russia and Bangladesh will become ever stronger.
So, Russia Day is a cause for celebration not only for the citizens of Russia but also for all those who love our country, its rich culture, exquisite art, and the way of life. It is a holiday for all those who speak the Russian language and whose ear is familiar to Russian songs.  
So, let me congratulate all friends of Russia on this occasion. Happy Russia Day!

Alexander Ignatov
Ambassador
of the Russian Federation to
the People's Republic of Bangladesh