DHAKA: Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov expressed his keen inteerst in a close cooperation with Bangaldesh in exploring gas and oil, as the two countries just initialled a framework accord on joint action in energey turf.

”He made the comment in meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni during her visit to Moscow,” Foreign Secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes said while discussing the meeting outcome in a press briefing Sunday at the Foreign Ministry.

He further said Russia also is interested to provide `special technology’ to enhance gas production from 79 old gas wells in Bangladesh.

An expert team from Russia will visit Dhaka to discuss the issue with Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (BAPEX), he added. Besides, they also intend to sign an accord to this effect.

He hoped during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Russia, accords on establishment of direct air and shipping links, direct bank-to-bank transaction between the two countries will also be signed. Food and grain supply is also in the row.

Mijarul Quayes also informed journalists that Russia will send a delegation as part of implementing the framework agreement on Ruppur nuclear power plant recently signed between the two countries.

He said no countries raised any objection on Ruppur nuclear power plant as it was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Replying to a question on deployment of sky marshal on Indian aircraft in Dhaka, he said, “It has not been decided yet. We are expecting a delegation from India to discuss it. Based on the discussion the matter will be decided.”


BDST 1900 HRS, May 30, 2010.
JU/SMS/MUA