(BSS)- Bangladesh and Russia today reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, investment and education.

It was resolved in a meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow today, a release of the foreign ministry said.

The release said Dr Khalilur and Lavrov exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues during the talks.

Dr Khalilur is now on a three-day official visit to Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart in his first bilateral visit abroad since being elected President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Lavrov congratulated him on his election as UNGA president and expressed Russia`s support for his efforts to make the General Assembly more effective and strengthen the central role of the United Nations in global affairs.

"We look forward to the tangible outcomes of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly," Lavrov said, assuring Russia`s full support as Dr Khalilur prepares to assume the prestigious position.

The Russian foreign minister said the two countries enjoy a long history of friendship and cooperation and expressed hope that the upcoming 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in January next year would be marked through concrete initiatives in trade, economy, culture and military-technical cooperation.

"The political dialogue between our countries is developing steadily, regardless of the current political situation," Lavrov said, adding that Moscow intended to use the visit to further galvanize bilateral relations.

In his remarks, Dr Khalilur thanked Russia for supporting his UNGA candidacy and said he would rely on Moscow`s cooperation both in his role as foreign minister and as president-elect of the General Assembly.

"This is my first bilateral visit following my election as president of the General Assembly. I gratefully recognize your support to my candidature, which helped me win the election," he said.
Referring to growing global challenges, Dr Khalilur said the world is entering the 81st UNGA session amid increasing geopolitical tensions, setbacks in sustainable development efforts and mounting climate-related concerns.

"The task of the president of the General Assembly will not be easy," he said.

Dr Khalilur conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Foreign Minister Lavrov, while reaffirming Bangladesh`s commitment to deepening relations with Russia.

Recalling Moscow`s support during Bangladesh`s Liberation War in 1971, Dr Khalilur expressed gratitude for the former Soviet Union`s role in supporting Bangladesh`s independence and the Soviet Navy`s contribution to clearing mines from Chattogram Port after the war.

"We continue to see expansion of our relationship in trade, education, energy and defence, and we want to strengthen these areas further," he said.

Bangladesh foreign minister also highlighted the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant as a symbol of the growing partnership between the two countries and expressed hope that the project would soon become fully operational.

Following the bilateral talks, the two foreign ministers addressed a joint media briefing.

According to foreign ministry’s officials, the discussions also covered cooperation within the United Nations and other multilateral forums, as well as prospects for expanding economic engagement between the two countries.

Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Russia has consistently exceeded US$2 billion in recent years, while cooperation continues to expand in energy, education and technical sectors.