Russia keen to have direct air connectivity with Bangladesh

Russia has shown keen interest in establishing direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Moscow to enhance people-to-people ties between the two friendly countries.

The Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Mantytskiy, expressed this interest during a meeting with Bangladesh Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan held at the secretariat on Thursday, according to a press release.

Pointing out that every year a huge number of Russian tourists visit different countries, Mantytskiy said Russian visitors would prefer to visit Bangladesh above other Russian neighbours if direct air connectivity is established between the two nations.

Besides, Mantytskiy said his country also wants to be a partner in the development journey of Bangladesh's growing aviation industry and is ready to extend any type of assistance, including technical support, in this regard.

In reply, Minister Faruk Khan welcomed the Russian keenness to establish direct Dhaka-Moscow air connectivity as well as Russian partnership in Bangladesh's aviation industries.

He said a decision would be made regarding direct air connectivity after holding discussions between the respective authorities of both countries and maintaining international rules and regulations.

The minister said his ministry is working to make Bangladesh an aviation hub as the country is situated on the international aviation route.

Moreover, he said that in the last 15 years, Bangladesh has made enormous progress in the aviation sector and achieved international standards.