Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday urged Russia to import more Bangladeshi items, including leather goods, quality rice and potato, to increase the bilateral trade volume between the two countries.

The Prime Minister made the request when newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Ignatov met her at her office.

After the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters.

He said the Prime Minister also said Bangladesh is looking for Russian investments in food processing industry here.

She recalled the Russian support during the war of liberation in 1971 and post-war reconstruction and de-mining of Chittagong port and quick installation of electricity lines across the country.

Hasina also recalled the killings of a number of Russian servicemen while sweeping mines in Chittagong port.

The Ambassador expressed deep shock at the recent killings at Gulshan café and Sholakia terror attacks, and said his country is ready to assist Bangladesh over security issues.

He mentioned the meeting of Hasina with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia and said after the meeting the trade relation between the two countries is getting strengthened. But, the trade volume should be increased to narrow the existing trade gap, he added.

Alexander Ignatov proposed accepting the currencies of each other country during the payment of trade and Bangladesh Prime Minister assured him of looking into the matter.

He also emphasised boosting government-to-government relations.

Referring to the setting up of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Ambassador said work on the construction is progressing and a credit agreement is ready for signing in this regard.

Appreciating the quality of Bangladeshi readymade garments, he said the Russian investors are interested to invest in Bangladesh, and mentioned that Bangladesh could import good quality wheat from his country.

PM’s adviser Gowher Rizvi and principal secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad were, among others, present.