Russia willing to 'cooperate with Bangladesh in N energy plant'
Monday, 10 September 2007
Russia is willing to extend cooperation to Bangladesh in setting up a nuclear power plant for production of nuclear energy to meet an insatiable demand for power.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this while talking to the press on his recent visit to Moscow at his office in the city Sunday, reports UNB.
The foreign adviser said he had detailed discussions with Russian Deputy Minister for Energy and Industry Ivan Materver on possible Russian cooperation in production of nuclear energy.
"Russia is positive and it could be an important partner of us in setting up nuclear power plant", he said.
However, the adviser said since the nuclear power technology is a complex issue, the matter should be discussed at national level to arrive at a final decision.
"If we want to produce nuclear energy, the time has come to start primary negotiations with our possible partners who might help us in establishing the nuclear project since it takes a long time for its implementation", he said.
In reply to a question, he said Bangladesh has already contacted Russia at technical level for setting up the proposed nuclear power plant while he was the first to contact Russia at political level.
Asked why the government is putting emphasis on cooperation from Russia in setting up the nuclear power plant, the adviser said all countries do not like to extend nuclear cooperation. Russia has appropriate technology for it.
Moreover, the people of Bangladesh and Russia are closely linked intellectually and culturally. Russia had enough contribution too to the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, he pointed out.
He said China, India, Pakistan and South Korea have already undertaken nuclear power-expansion projects.
Although the foreign adviser could not tell about estimated cost of nuclear power plant, but said " since we have adequate technical know-how, we will be able to set up it with cooperation from our partners."
Asked if it would cast any adverse impact on Bangladesh-US relations if Dhaka received nuclear cooperation from Moscow, he replied in the negative.
"Bangladesh looks to the East, West, South and North, and for a long time Bangladesh has not looked to the Russian Federation after the demise of the Soviet Union", the adviser said, on a note of criticism.
During the visit, Bangladesh and the Russian Federation signed Consular Convention, first deal between the two countries, to ease visa regime and ensure Bangladeshis' welfare in Russia.
And he said Dhaka and Moscow are likely to sign several accords concerning avoidance of double taxation, investment and trade cooperation.
He further disclosed that Bangladesh wants to import 300,000 tonnes of wheat to build up a buffer stock and 4,00 tonnes of fertiliser from Russia.
Besides, there is enough opportunity for Bangladeshi students to study medical science in Russia, particularly in medical institutions in St. Petersburg. Presently, 40 students are studying over there, the adviser said.
He observed that his visit to Russia unveiled a new chapter of bilateral relations, saying that effective follow-ups would be made to strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary-in-charge Touhid Hossain and senior Foreign Ministry officials were present at the briefing.
Adviser for Foreign Affairs Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said this while talking to the press on his recent visit to Moscow at his office in the city Sunday, reports UNB.
The foreign adviser said he had detailed discussions with Russian Deputy Minister for Energy and Industry Ivan Materver on possible Russian cooperation in production of nuclear energy.
"Russia is positive and it could be an important partner of us in setting up nuclear power plant", he said.
However, the adviser said since the nuclear power technology is a complex issue, the matter should be discussed at national level to arrive at a final decision.
"If we want to produce nuclear energy, the time has come to start primary negotiations with our possible partners who might help us in establishing the nuclear project since it takes a long time for its implementation", he said.
In reply to a question, he said Bangladesh has already contacted Russia at technical level for setting up the proposed nuclear power plant while he was the first to contact Russia at political level.
Asked why the government is putting emphasis on cooperation from Russia in setting up the nuclear power plant, the adviser said all countries do not like to extend nuclear cooperation. Russia has appropriate technology for it.
Moreover, the people of Bangladesh and Russia are closely linked intellectually and culturally. Russia had enough contribution too to the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, he pointed out.
He said China, India, Pakistan and South Korea have already undertaken nuclear power-expansion projects.
Although the foreign adviser could not tell about estimated cost of nuclear power plant, but said " since we have adequate technical know-how, we will be able to set up it with cooperation from our partners."
Asked if it would cast any adverse impact on Bangladesh-US relations if Dhaka received nuclear cooperation from Moscow, he replied in the negative.
"Bangladesh looks to the East, West, South and North, and for a long time Bangladesh has not looked to the Russian Federation after the demise of the Soviet Union", the adviser said, on a note of criticism.
During the visit, Bangladesh and the Russian Federation signed Consular Convention, first deal between the two countries, to ease visa regime and ensure Bangladeshis' welfare in Russia.
And he said Dhaka and Moscow are likely to sign several accords concerning avoidance of double taxation, investment and trade cooperation.
He further disclosed that Bangladesh wants to import 300,000 tonnes of wheat to build up a buffer stock and 4,00 tonnes of fertiliser from Russia.
Besides, there is enough opportunity for Bangladeshi students to study medical science in Russia, particularly in medical institutions in St. Petersburg. Presently, 40 students are studying over there, the adviser said.
He observed that his visit to Russia unveiled a new chapter of bilateral relations, saying that effective follow-ups would be made to strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries.
Foreign Secretary-in-charge Touhid Hossain and senior Foreign Ministry officials were present at the briefing.