Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy on Thursday said Russia and Bangladesh are working out modalities to keep transactions and trade between the two countries uninterrupted.

He also said the two countries are considering different options, including swap of national currencies and usage of third country's banks.

The envoy came up with the development at a press conference as the US had imposed sanctions including on SWIFT system following the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24.

The press conference titled "One month of the Russia's special military operation in Ukraine: Causes and results. The world of post-truth" covered five key areas - the background of Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia's diplomatic efforts aimed at avoiding the conflict, results of Russia's special military operation, role of the West in the militarisation and Nazification of Ukraine, economic consequences of the conflict and Russia-Bangladesh relations in a new reality.

Responding to a question on Bangladesh's voting at the UNGA on March 2, the Russian envoy said, they highly appreciate Bangladesh's "responsible and balanced" attitude towards the resolution.

"We express our gratitude to the Bangladeshi side for its neutral position taken despite the enormous external pressure during the said voting," he said.

The ambassador said Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen very specifically defined the motives behind Bangladesh's abstention. "So, I have nothing more to add."

Alexander Mantytskiy said the "special operation" by Russia on Ukraine came as Russia faces security threats with the increasing expansion of NATO in Europe.

Asked on hundreds of civilian casualties in Ukraine in the Russian attacks, he claimed that Ukraine is using civilians as human shield.

Responding to a question Mantytskiy said construction of the Rooppur NPP is on schedule and the project will be implemented in accordance with previously approved plans. "All operations are being carried out on schedule."

In 2021, he said, the dome of the inner containment was assembled at Unit 1, the reactor vessel and reactor plant equipment were installed, in February of this year while welding of the reactor coolant pipeline was completed.

Deaerator has been installed in the machine room and installation of the polar crane was completed at Unit 2 in November 2021, said the Ambassador, adding that the reactor vessel and steam generators are scheduled to be mounted by the end of the year.

Construction of a training centre for the operational personnel of the Rooppur NPP is at its final stage, he said.

Active work is currently underway on the installation of the key thermal and mechanical, electrical equipment and process pipelines, said the Russian envoy.

BDST: 2042 HRS, MAR 24, 2022
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