A Russian delegation, led by Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, Vyacheslav Sentyurin, met with on Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office. Photo: PID

DHAKA, July 28, 2026 (BSS) - Russia has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Bangladesh's food security and expanding bilateral trade, expressing interest in supplying urea fertilizer at a lower price alongside other essential food commodities.

The issues were discussed when a Russian delegation, led by Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh, Vyacheslav Sentyurin, made a courtesy call on Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at his office at the Ministry of Commerce in Bangladesh Secretariat here today.

Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.

The two sides reviewed the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia and discussed ways to further strengthen their growing economic partnership, with particular emphasis on food security, agricultural cooperation, fertilizer supply and expansion of government-to-government (G2G) trade, said a ministry press release.

The commerce minister highly appreciated Russia's continued support in ensuring Bangladesh's food security through the regular supply of wheat and Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertilizer.

Describing Russia as a 'trusted friend' of Bangladesh, Muktadir expressed optimism that bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the two countries would expand further in the coming years.

During the meeting, the Russian side expressed interest in supplying around 280,000 metric tons of urea fertilizer to the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) through JSC FEC Prodintorg under a government-to-government arrangement.

The Russian delegation said it had offered to supply urea fertilizer at US$10 less per metric ton than the prices Bangladesh currently pays to other exporting countries.

They noted that such cooperation would ensure a reliable supply of fertilizer while helping Bangladesh reduce its import costs.

The meeting also discussed enhancing cooperation under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and Russia's JSC FEC Prodintorg for the supply of essential commodities.

The Russian side also expressed its willingness to export sunflower oil, yellow peas, chickpeas, red lentils, green lentils and other essential food items to Bangladesh, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the country's food security and market stability.

Welcoming Russia's interest in expanding trade, the commerce minister said Bangladesh would continue to promote bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular communication to further strengthen bilateral trade, increase investment and deepen economic partnership between the two countries.