In a press statement after his meeting with Russian Ambassador Gennady Trotsenko in the city, Iftekhar said there is no reason why the international community would not endorse nuclear power here.

"Bangladesh is a signatory to the Non-proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty. Our non-proliferation credentials are impeccable. There is nothing to fear from us," he added.

Iftekhar said nuclear energy is a complex issue and decision-making in this regard will involve many stages.

During the talks the two sides discussed energy, trade and cultural cooperation, but neither side mentioned whether nuclear energy was discussed between them.

Trotsenko told reporters that "significant developments" can be expected in Bangladesh-Russian relations in the near future.

Meanwhile at a meeting with Iftekhar, Philippines Ambassador Norberto Basilio hoped that Bangladesh would sign the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation with the Association of South East Asian Nations during its chairmanship which ends this year.

Earlier in the day, Danish Minister for Development and Cooperation called on Iftekhar to thank the government for rescuing a DANIDA employee in the Chittagong Hill Tracts two days ago.