Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Distinguished Ms Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to warmly welcome you again.

Ms Prime Minister, you are worthy of continuing what your father began, as he not only fought for the independence of Bangladesh but also took the first steps to establishing friendly cooperation between Bangladesh and Russia. Just such relations have emerged between our countries over recent years but there is still much more to do to bring our trade and economic ties on a firm basis and raise them to the proper level. There are many opportunities to do so. We have already granted tariff preferences for many of your traditional exports but more can be done in the specific areas of practical activities – energy, agriculture, mineral fertiliser trade, and military-technical cooperation. Our two countries are already cooperating in some of these areas.

I am very glad to have the opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations with you today, and I think that we should really take practical steps, especially with your upcoming visit in mind – I mean your official visit to Russia early next year.

Sheikh Hasina (as translated): Mr Prime Minister, first of all, I would like to thank you for the warm reception given to me and my delegation, and for the invitation to participate in the Tiger Forum.

It gave me a fine opportunity to see this historic city. We have heard so much about the magnificent city of St Petersburg, which has played an important part in Russian history, so we treasure this experience.

Traditionally, we have had a great respect for the Russian people since long ago – since the struggle for independence. When my father was rebuilding our country after the war, he always received support from Russia and could count on cooperation with it. In particular, the Russian military helped to clear mines on our land. Many Russian soldiers gave their lives for our country, and we will always be grateful to Russia for that.

Unfortunately, I was not able to visit Russia over the last ten years, but I think that these ten years have made our relations friendlier and stronger.