Russian Ambassador for 'Inter-governmental Commission'

The ambassador expressed this view when he paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office here on Thursday morning.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

Nikolaev also said Russia is ready to assist and promote different aspects of Bangladesh's development.

Extending his thanks to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for extending cooperation to him, the ambassador said during his four-year tenure, Russia-Bangladesh made a "well done job" for further boosting bilateral relations.

Recalling the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Russia in 2013, he said it gave a "fresh impetus" to Russia-Bangladesh relations.

"Our ties are growing steadily step by step," he noted.

Pointing out the successful holding of "Bangladesh Cultural Festival" in Moscow, the Russian envoy stressed the need for further increasing "cultural cooperation" between the two countries.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing bilateral trade between the two countries, he said trade balance between Bangladesh and Russia is almost equal.

Nikolaev congratulated Bangladesh national cricket team for its success in the ongoing Asia Cup T20 Cricket.

At the meeting, the Premier noted with satisfaction that both the countries are enjoying growing trade relations and underscored the need for further boosting the ties in this field.

"There is a 'huge potential' for further boosting trade cooperation between the two countries," she said.

At the outset of the meeting, Sheikh Hasina recalled with deep gratitude the contribution of Russia to the Liberation War of Bangladesh and its assistance to the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

In this connection, she also remembered Russia's role in demining the Chittagong Port after the independence. "We always remember those who extended support to us during the War of Liberation," she said.

Expressing satisfaction over the existing bilateral relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh always values this relationship.

"We always get cooperation from Russia...we can carry forward the ties to a 'new height' by increasing cooperation in different fields," she said.

The Premier thanked the Russian government for its continued assistance in the development of different sectors of Bangladesh, especially raising power generation capacity

Sheikh Hasina conveyed her greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin through the ambassador.

PM's Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad was present at the meeting.