Dhaka, Jan. 31 -- Bangladesh and Russia on Wednesday expressed willingness to expand economic ties exploring potential areas and deepen the relations on all fronts.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud discussed the issues when Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky met him at his official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"We have discussed ways to expand the trade basket and more Russian investment in Bangladesh," Hasan told reporters after the meeting.

The foreign minister recalled the role of Russia during the War of Liberation in 1971 and its support in Bangladesh's rebuilding efforts.

During the War of Independence of Bangladesh, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) stood beside Bangladesh and thwarted i...