Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy has said despite “artificial obstacles” imposed by the West to hinder mutually beneficial relations with friendly states, Russia is determined to continue being a reliable partner to its allies, including Bangladesh.

“Friendship between our countries goes a long way. We have no major unresolved political issues and have similar approaches to global challenges like terrorism, cybercrime, neo-colonialism, and climate change. Economic relations are thriving, with the energy sector being their backbone,” he said

The Ambassador was speaking at the Russian Day reception on Wednesday evening. He said the flagship project between the two countries is the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. “The physical start-up of Unit 1 is to take place before the end of this year.”

June 12 marks the beginning of a new phase in Russia’s centuries-long history. Over the past 30 years, the Russian Federation has navigated through significant transformations, emerging as a truly sovereign country with resilient economy, a center in the evolving multipolar world order.

The Russian envoy said the meetings of BRICS Foreign Ministers held on June 10 and 11 in the city of Nizhny Novgorod showed that these values are shared by many global stakeholders, including Bangladesh which, as an aspiring BRICS member, also attended the BRICS Plus meeting.

The highlight of the evening was the concert "Power of Love, Power of Light" organized by ‘AtomStroyExport’ company, Engineering Division of the Rosatom State Corporation. The Western Military District Ensemble of Song and Dance performed Russian patriotic songs and classical dances. US says it will remain Bangladesh’s steadfast partner in Rohingya refugee response. Ambassador Mantytskiy explained to the audience the meaning of the holiday and outlined Russia's foreign policy principles.

"The recent decades have revealed Russia’s genuine friends in the Global South and exposed hypocritical nature of the Western foreign policy that is full of double standards, non-compliance with obligations, deterrence and even blatant arm-twisting. Despite artificial obstacles imposed by the West to hinder mutually beneficial relations with friendly states, Russia is determined to continue being a reliable partner to its allies, including Bangladesh", added the Ambassador.

Law Minister Anisul Huq attended the function as the chief guest.

He remembered the time when the foundations of relations between Russia and Bangladesh were laid down, expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation and its people for extending a helping hand during the 1971 Liberation War and in the post-independence period.