Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said that Moscow still remembers Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as an “outstanding political figure”.
He was also a “devoted fighter for the freedom and happiness of his people and a true friend of Russian federation”.
Lavrov made the comment in a video message he sent on the occasion of the celebrations of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation and the golden jubilee of independence.
The video was played at the National Parade ground programme on Friday where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and visiting Sri Lankan’s Prime Minister Mahindra Rajapaksa also addressed.
Diplomatic relations between the then Soviet Union and Bangladesh were established on January 25, 1972, a month after the victory in the liberation war against Pakistan.
The then Soviet Union actively supported Bangladesh in war and also deployed naval officials to clear mines in Chattogram port.
The Russian foreign minister said Bangabandhu’s visit in Russia in March 1972 was the first high visit from Bangladesh.
“The foundation (of bilateral relations) was built then,” he said.
He also highlighted the ongoing Rooppur Power Plant project with Russian support and said that that will be put into operation by 2023 or 2024.
He said Russia is also ready to continue the bilateral political dialogue.
“I am convinced that the ties of friendship will grow stronger for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.
