Terming the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant a signature initiative in Bangladesh-Russia bilateral cooperation, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said that both the countries will review the progress of the project during the visit of Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
Mr Likhachev is expected to arrive in Dhaka today.
"I extend our thanks to the Russian authorities on their support and cooperation for this project," the adviser said at an event organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Russian House in Dhaka on Tuesday.
"We hope that this visit will help review further progress of the construction of the Power Plant," he added.
"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Russian House in Dhaka, let us also look ahead to the future. Indeed, the celebration of this significant milestone is not only a reflection of the past but also a renewed commitment to building an even stronger, more vibrant partnership in the years to come."
Following the transformative July Revolution, Bangladesh has embarked on a new journey defined by resilience, inclusivity, and dynamic growth, he noted.
"Under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh is in the process of embracing a future that will be free from discrimination, injustice and inequality," he said.
He appreciated continued support of the Russian Federation as a trusted friend and partner in building a Bangladesh that the students dreamt of.
"Bearing this in mind, we need to continue to build on the foundations laid by the Russian House, embracing new opportunities for cultural exchange, enhancing people-to-people ties, and further deepening the partnership."
"Our two countries also need to continue the legacy of bonhomie, work together to address regional and global challenges, and ensure that the bonds between Bangladesh and Russia remain as strong as ever," the adviser added.
"When the Russian House started its journey in Dhaka in 1974, it encapsulated a vision of fostering a strong bond between the peoples of Bangladesh and Russia. After half a century, I can proudly say that the Russian House has lived up to that vision by serving as a hub of cultural exchange, intellectual dialogue, and people-to-people connections," he said.
This House has also been a beacon of cultural diplomacy, a place where the thinkers, intellectuals, artists and professionals of two countries can come together to celebrate and understand each other's culture, he added.
The Bangladesh-Russia historic ties, born in the 1970s, continue to evolve and flourish, Mr Touhid said.
"In addition to education and culture, our collaboration spans a wide range of fields, encompassing trade and commerce, science and technology, defence and security."
The foreign adviser said Russian support in various developmental sectors has been playing an instrumental role in our journey of progress and prosperity.
Among others, Alexander Khozin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Bangladesh, Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of Russian House, were present at the programme.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
