Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, declared today that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) would continue to stand as a testament to the close links between Moscow and Dhaka.
“The flagship project meets the interests of both countries and promotes further deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.
Putun was addressing virtually from Moscow the nuclear fuel-uranium handover ceremony (graduation ceremony) for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) held at plant site in Pabna.
Congratulating Bangladesh on its graduation to nuclear power Putin said, “Both countries have interests in this project and it will have huge contribution to Bangladesh’s energy and economic security.”
Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh, virtually participated in the ceremony from her mansion, Ganabhaban.
The Russian president described Bangladesh as a tried-and-true ally and development partner, adding that the two nations’ relations are being built on the principles of reciprocal equality and respect.
Putin said, Russia and Bangladesh have established their ties in the field of mutual cooperation more than 50 years back.
“At the beginning of the 1970s, Soviet Union had extended support to East Bengal on its struggle for independence and rebuilding the newly independent country,” he said.
One of the first nations to acknowledge Bangladesh’s independence was Russia.
Soon after Bangladesh gained its independence, Russia offered its assistance in building large factories and power plants that continue to support Bangladesh’s economy.
Putin recalled Bangabandhu’s landmark trip to Moscow from last year as well as the celebration of the two nations’ diplomatic relations’ golden anniversary.
“Bangabandhu’s visit to Moscow was a historical milestone to build up ties between the two countries,” Putin said adding that “Sheikh Hasina successfully and with dignity is carrying forward her father’s tasks.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the gasoline delivery certificate from Vladimir Putin. Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), joined the gathering electronically from Vienna.
Both Director General of ROSATOM Alexei Likhachev and Science and Technology Affairs Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman were present.
