Russia keen to expand cooperation in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin today (25 March) paid a courtesy call on Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid at the Agriculture Ministry conference room in the secretariat.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including agriculture, food security and import-export trade between the two countries.

At the outset, the minister welcomed the ambassador, while Khozin congratulated him on assuming office as a member of the cabinet.

The minister said Russia is a long-tested friend of Bangladesh, noting that for more than 50 years the country has been extending cooperation in agriculture, technology and other sectors. 

He mentioned that a significant portion of non-urea fertilisers, particularly MOP (Muriate of Potash), is imported from Russia and urged the ambassador to ensure an uninterrupted supply in the future.

He also called on Russia to increase imports of Bangladeshi agricultural products such as potatoes, mangoes, cucumbers and processed foods.

Ambassador Khozin expressed his country’s interest in further strengthening cooperation in Bangladesh’s agriculture sector. He said Russia regularly imports potatoes and other agricultural products from Bangladesh.

The ambassador also showed interest in supplying fertilisers and seeds, as well as in agricultural mechanisation. The minister expressed optimism about working together with Russia in these areas.

Agriculture secretary Rafiqul E Mohamed, senior officials of the ministry and First Secretary of the Russian Embassy Anastasia Nemova, among others, were present at the meeting.