Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman today said Bangladesh needs to seek a waiver from the United States to purchase Russian oil, as the US has imposed restrictions on all countries regarding such purchases.

“Restrictions are in place for all countries regarding the purchase of Russian oil. Therefore, you need to seek a waiver from these restrictions,” he told reporters after the first courtesy meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen.

After the meeting, the US ambassador described his meeting with the prime minister as “very productive”.

“I am looking forward to working together as we pursue common goals that benefit the people of both Bangladesh and the United States,” Christensen said.

The foreign minister said there is no secret deal with the United States.

Responding to a question, Khalilur said claims that Bangladesh must seek US permission because of a trade deal signed with Washington are “completely false.”

US sanctions on Russian oil have pushed buyers to look elsewhere. Last month, Washington temporarily eased those sanctions to allow India to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The foreign minister, however, said Russian oil did not come up during the meeting with the US ambassador.

Khalilur said he discussed a range of issues with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, but could not disclose details due to confidentiality.

He said that during their meeting in Washington on March 31, the US energy secretary reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh through these difficult times and helping ensure its energy security.

Regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Tarique and the US ambassador, the foreign minister said it was the first courtesy meeting, and the two sides discussed cooperation between the two countries.

They discussed cooperation between the two countries in the areas of energy, trade and development, in addition to continued US support for the Rohingyas living in Bangladesh, he added.

On diversifying energy sources, the foreign minister said the government would continue trying to import energy at the lowest possible price, whether from India, the Middle East or the United States.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir was also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the US ambassador presented the prime minister with two photographs and a replica of the White House.

One photograph features martyred President Ziaur Rahman with former US President Jimmy Carter, while the other shows former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia with former US President George HW Bush.