The Federation Council Speaker and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China discussed, via videoconference, relations between the two countries and prospects for interparliamentary interaction.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko held a videoconference meeting with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China Li Zhanshu. The discussion focused on promoting interparliamentary interaction and bilateral cooperation.
According to Valentina Matvienko, the future world will rely on true multipolarity and interaction between states based on equality and mutual consideration of interests. “These exemplary relations have been formed between Russia and China thanks to the heads of our states.”
“We are witnessing a transformation of the international relations system as it takes on a fairer configuration. A system that reflects cultural and civilisational diversity and the peoples’ desire to independently determine their future. Given these circumstances, the well-coordinated efforts by Russia and China are contributing to a more stable international situation and have a balancing effect on the entire international relations system,” Valentina Matvienko said.
The Federation Council Speaker went on to say that relations between the two countries enjoy wide public support, are not affected by fleeting circumstances and are not directed against third countries. “Even in the face of unprecedented external pressure, Russia and China remain unwavering in their determination to further strengthen their interstate ties.”
“No matter how the international situation may change, we will continue to steadily promote our all-round and comprehensive strategic interaction for the benefit of our nations and in defence of international justice,” Li Zhanshu said.
According to the Federation Council Speaker, the parliaments of the two countries are now entrusted with a special mission to adapt legislation to rapidly changing circumstances.
Valentina Matvienko noted that the Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the National Assembly of People's Representatives of the People's Republic of China remains the core element of interaction between legislators of the two countries. It is used to discuss a wide range of issues. “Important issues could include a transformation of the monetary system and the accelerated process of de-dollarisation of the global economy, as well as exchange of experience in cybersecurity.”
The participants expressed hope that the epidemiological situation would allow China to host a meeting of the Interparliamentary Commission in person in the autumn of 2022.
Li Zhanshu proposed intensifying contacts at the level of specific committees and the friendship group.
According to him, the upcoming Years of Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Physical Fitness and Sports will provide an opportunity to hold events for young people, in particular, with the participation of young parliamentarians.
The parties noted active interaction of the two countries’ parliamentarians at the leading multilateral platforms. “Traditionally, this dialogue is conducted at the IPU and APPF platforms. We are interested in promoting the BRICS and the SCO parliamentary component,” Valentina Matvienko said.
The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China considers the CSTO the leading security mechanism in the CIS region. “We are willing to continue to interact with this Organisation in a flexible format and to jointly defend regional security and stability,” he said.
According to the Federation Council Speaker, the relations of friendship and cooperation between the regions of Russia and China are growing stronger. Almost 400 constituent entities and municipalities of the Russian Federation have signed partnership agreements with Chinese provinces. “Particular attention should be paid to the practical content of cooperation between the regions. We must strive to ensure that at least one joint economic project is implemented annually by each such partner pair.”
The meeting participants also discussed the checkpoints on the Russian-Chinese border. “We look forward to developing the best solution to the problems in order to restore normal functioning of the transport system and to ensure full compliance with the sanitary requirements,” Valentina Matvienko said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Federation Council Speaker Konstantin Kosachev, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin, and First Deputy Chair of the State Duma and Chair of the Russian-Chinese Friendship Society Ivan Melnikov.
A ceremony for presenting Li Zhanshu with the Order of Friendship, a state award of the Russian Federation, took place as part of the meeting. The order was presented to him by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to China Andrei Denisov in Beijing.
According to Valentina Matvienko, Li Zhanshu’s direct involvement was instrumental in implementing major projects and initiatives at the interstate level and at the level of the regions, business communities, and non-governmental organisations.