Russia to cooperate with Bangladesh to establis nuclear energy pla

Dhaka, Sep 9 (UNI) Russia is willing to extend cooperation to Bangladesh in setting up a nuclear power plant for production of nuclear energy to meet the growing demand for electricity, Foreign Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury here said today.

Talking to newspersons on his recent visit to Moscow, Dr Chowdhury said he had detailed discussions with Russian Deputy Minister for Energy and Industry Ivan Materver on possible Russian cooperation in production of nuclear energy.

"Russia is positive and it could be an important partner of us in setting up nuclear power plant," he said.

However, the Advisor said since the nuclear power technology is a complex issue, the matter should be discussed at national level to reach a final decision.

He said " If we want to produce nuclear issue, the time has come to start primary negotiations with our possible partners who might help us establish the nuclear project, since it takes long time for implementation." Bangladesh earlier got nod from IAEA to move ahead with its plan for peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Advisor said since Bangladesh is a signatory to CTB and NPTC, "we are committed to peaceful use of nuclear energy. We will not go for nuclear weapons." In reply to a question, he said Bangladesh already had technical level contacts for setting up nuclear power plant while he was the first to contact Russia at political level.

Asked why the government was putting emphasis on seeking cooperation from Russia, the Advisor said all countries do not like to extend nuclear cooperation. He said Russia has appropriate technology for it.

Moreover, he said people of Bangladesh and Russia were closely linked intellectually and culturally. Russia had enough contribution to Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.

He said China, India, Pakistan and South Korea had already undertaken nuclear power expansion projects.

Although the Advisor could not say estimated cost of nuclear power plant, but said, "since we have adequate technical knowhow, we will be able to set up it with cooperation from our partners." Asked if it would cast any adverse impact on Bangladesh-US relation if Dhaka received nuclear cooperation from Moscow, he replied in the negative.

He said for a long time Bangladesh did not look to Russian Federation after the demise of the Soviet Union.

During the visit Bangladesh and Russian Federation signed Consular Convention, first deal between the two countries, to ease visa regime and ensure Bangladeshis' welfare in Russia.

The Advisor said Dhaka and Moscow are likely to sign several accords concerning avoidance of double taxation, investment and trade cooperation.

He said Bangladesh wants to import 3,00,000 tons of wheat to build up a buffer stock and 4,00 tons of fertilizer from Russia.

Besides, he said there was enough opportunity for Bangladeshi students to study medical science in Russia, particularly in medical institutions in St. Petersburg. Presently, 40 students were studying over there.

The Advisor termed his visit to Russia as unveiling a new chapter of bilateral relations, saying that effective follow-ups would be made to strengthen political and economic relations between the two countries.

UNI