Russian ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin on Sunday expressed optimism over settling the debt repayment issues for the Russia-funded Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, stressing that the two countries were heading towards positive discussions to resolve the issue.
鈥榃e are ready to discuss [the matter] with the appropriate authorities - the ministry of finance of Bangladesh. I am absolutely sure that this will be resolved,鈥� he told reporters at foreign ministry.
The Russian envoy, who had separate meetings with foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin and foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain, said that the sensitive issue was going to be discussed with specialists and professionals.
鈥楬owever, I would not speculate at this moment,鈥� he said, answering questions regarding the prospects of bilateral relations and joint projects, hoping that the payment would be done and settled.
During the talks, the two sides discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest and cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia in the international arena.
The ambassador reiterated his country鈥檚 鈥榗ommitment to unwavering support, cooperation and partnership鈥� with Bangladesh to further strengthen the relations on all fronts.
He discussed issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation between the two countries during his separate meetings.
While talking to reporters after the meeting, Khozin said that he was very impressed to be in Bangladesh after serving in other South Asian nations - India, Nepal and Pakistan - in various capacities.
He also talked about other areas of cooperation- food security, agriculture, shipbuilding- in addition to the Rohingya issue.
On December 30, 2024, ambassador Khozin presented his credentials to president Mohammed Shahabuddin.