The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Singapore

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who had a meeting with Foreign Advisor Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury here Thursday evening said Russia views Bangladesh as a close friend and is keen to expand cooperation with Dhaka.

They held the meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum currently being held in the Island City.

Dr Iftekhar thanked the Russian Foreign Minister for the very warm reception that was accorded to him when he visited Moscow last year. He also expressed appreciation for the Russian support in the energy sector and stated that Bangladesh was keen to procure fertilizer from Russia.

They also reviewed the current global situation, including the issues of Kosovo and Georgia.

Iftekhar told Sergey Lavrov that Bangladesh is a very responsible international actor and will continue to contribute to global stability which was necessary if countries like Bangladesh were to achieve their "development aspirations".