Russia keen to start Dhaka-Moscow direct flight

Russia Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy has expressed his country's interest in starting Dhaka-Moscow direct flights so tourists from both countries can travel easily. 

During a meeting with Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Muhammad Faruk Khan yesterday, the Russian envoy also said his country seeks to assist Bangladesh in developing the aviation industry.  

"We want to create a partnership with the growing aviation industry in Bangladesh. Russia is keen to provide any kind of assistance there, including technical assistance," an aviation ministry release quoted Mantytskiy as saying.

In favour of the Dhaka-Moscow direct flights, he argued that a large number of Russian tourists travel to different countries of the world. 

"If direct flights are launched, all Russian tourists will be interested in coming to Bangladesh. If the number of Russian tourists in Bangladesh increases, it will contribute to the development of the tourism industry and strengthen the friendship between the people of the two countries," he explained. 

Faruk Khan welcomed the proposal of a friendly country like Russia to become a development partner in the aviation industry of Bangladesh. 

A decision with regard to this will come only after discussions between the relevant authorities of the two countries in accordance with international norms, the aviation minister noted. 

"Work is on to tap the immense potential of the tourism sector in Bangladesh," Faruk Khan said.

He revealed that a master plan for it has already been finalised apart from developing intensive tourism zones in different parts of the country, including Cox's Bazar. "We are ready to welcome Russian tourists to Bangladesh."