The Federation Council Speaker discussed prospects for interparliamentary cooperation with Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko discussed the development of interparliamentary ties with Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia. The Zambian delegation, currently visiting Russia, will take part in the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum in St Petersburg.
The Federation Council Speaker noted that Nelly Mutti had become the first woman in the history of Zambia to head the national parliament. Valentina Matvienko said that Russia and Zambia were linked by traditional ties of friendship. “The Soviet Union became the first country to recognise the sovereignty of Zambia in 1964, only six days after it gained independence. Today, Zambia is a country of great opportunities with a significant economic and human potential,” she said.
The Head of the Federation Council focused on the top-level trust-based political dialogue and noted that President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema had taken a constructive part in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with the leaders of African states in 2023.
“This year, we are marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. This is an important milestone and a good opportunity to review the results and outline prospects for future bilateral cooperation,” Valentina Matvienko said.
While discussing the development of interparliamentary dialogue, the Federation Council Speaker suggested expanding direct contacts between specialised committees, including via videoconference. Additionally, it has been decided to establish a separate group for cooperation with the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia, the Federation Council Speaker added. Deputy Chair of the Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lyudmila Skakovskaya will head this group.
Nelly Mutti recalled the rich history of cooperation between Zambia and Russia. “Our countries are expanding bilateral relations based on mutual respect. We aim to expand collaboration at the parliamentary level. Legislators should share experience to build stronger ties.”
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zambia emphasised the importance of holding the Eurasian Women’s Forum and said that the delegation would take an active part in it.
The parliamentarians also hope to coordinate their future efforts at international platforms, including within the Interparliamentary Union.
During the conversation, they discussed various issues related to trade and economic cooperation, collaboration in the sphere of education and expanding youth ties.
According to the Federation Council Speaker, the Zambian delegation’s visit to Russia will provide an impetus for inter-parliamentary collaboration and will help strengthen Russia-Zambia relations.
Attending the meeting were Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Irina Rukavishnikova and Deputy Chair of the Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lyudmila Skakovskaya.