Russian FM Sergei Lavrov cancels Dhaka tour

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has cancelled his scheduled Dhaka tour next week, a development that his counterpart Dr AK Abdul Momen attributed to his preoccupation due to the war situation.

Foreign ministry officials said Moscow through its embassy here informed Dhaka in the form of a note verbal that Lavrov was unable to visit Bangladesh coinciding with the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) meeting November 24 here.

"I can understand it. They are very busy. Their activities due to the war have increased to a large extent,” Momen told newsmen on the sidelines of a function at a hotel in Dhaka, adding, “maybe for that reason he (Lavrov) is unable to come".

He added: "He (Lavrov) wants to speak with me over the phone (instead of visiting in person). And I agreed," Bangladesh foreign minister said.

Momen said his office came to know about the Lavrov’s decision on Friday through the “note verbal” that refers diplomatic communication.

Asked about Dhaka’s stance on Russia-Ukraine war, Momen said “Bangladesh has been maintaining an independent and balanced foreign policy”.

Apart from attending the IORA, the Russian foreign minister was scheduled to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and hold a bilateral meeting with Momen.

The foreign ministry officials said energy cooperation issue with Moscow was likely to largely the two foreign ministers talks.

Ministerial level delegations from 15 countries are expected to join the meet which Russia would now be represented by its ambassador Alexander Mantytskiy.

IORA is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners.

IORA member states are: Australia, Bangladesh, Union of Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen.