ROSATOM DG calls on foreign minister Momen

Alexey Likhachev, director general of the Russian State Corporation for Nuclear Energy 'ROSATOM', on Monday called on foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and discussed the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project, reports news agency UNB.

The project is the signature initiative of Bangladesh-Russia longstanding historic collaboration, both the leaders said. They also reiterated all-out support for the timely implementation of the project.

The foreign minister said Russia's good gesture towards Bangladesh has been translated in its initiatives taken to help the country since the time of the Liberation War and the nuclear power plant project is the epitome of the friendship of the Russian people and its government.

He expressed gratitude towards the Russian government and the people for their support.

The foreign minister also requested the Russian government to help Bangladesh to create a pool of her own skilled nuclear scientists, engineers and maintenance and security specialists to run the power plant in the future.

Momen also stated that as the result of recent graduation from LDC status, Bangladesh highly values the continued assistance from the Russian Federation for further economic and social development and for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

He welcomed Bangladesh-Russia cooperation in other areas like power generation, energy exploration and trade, commerce and investment, and defence purchases.

Rosatom DG Alexey Likhachev reiterated his commitment to complete the first and second phase of the construction of the first ever Nuclear Power Station in Bangladesh.

He expressed satisfaction in the present trajectory of Russia-Bangladesh relations and praised the government’s role in restoring Russia-Bangladesh collaboration.

The foreign minister also requested Russian support for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens who are currently in camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.