The Federation Council Speaker discussed prospects for inter-parliamentary cooperation with the Chairman of the Consultative Council of the National Assembly of Bahrain.
The Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko held a meeting with the Chairman of the Consultative Council of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Bahrain Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh. The Bahraini delegation is in Russia on an official visit. Inter-parliamentary cooperation was the main topic of the conversation.
The Federation Council Speaker noted that this year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. “The main areas of bilateral cooperation are determined at the top level. Trust-based personal relationships between the heads of state set the tone for the entire range of multilateral relations,” she said, noting the successful visit of the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Russia in May 2024.
The Federation Council Speaker noted Bahrain’s active work as a guest country and a strategic partner of the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum, as well as the participation of Second Deputy Chair of the Consultative Council Jehad Al Fadhel in the work of the fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum in St Petersburg.
Valentina Matvienko believes that the visit of the Chairman of the Consultative Council of the National Assembly will open a new chapter in the history of inter-parliamentary relations and will advance cooperation across all areas.
Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh emphasised the depth of Russia-Bahrain relations. He noted the fast-paced development of the Russian Federation in economic and historical terms. “We highly value our friendship and ties in all areas, including at the legislative level. We share many common interests, including energy issues. The King of Bahrain emphasises the importance of developing relations with Russia.”
“A group for cooperation with the Consultative Council of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Bahrain has been created in the Federation Council. It is headed by Deputy Chair of the Committee on Social Policy Mokhmad Akhmadov. The group has joined the work,” the Federation Council Speaker said. The Federation Council Speaker called for expanding interaction formats, including at the level of specialised committees, as well as among young parliamentarians.
The meeting participants emphasised the importance of interaction at multilateral venues. In particular, they discussed the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Federation Council Speaker congratulated Bahrain on its election as Chair of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly for 2026 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2026–2027.
The sides touched upon issues of trade and economic cooperation, including prospects for interregional cooperation. According to Valentina Matvienko, the potential for a significant increase in cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses and trade and economic relations, as well as at the regional level, are good.
During the meeting, cultural and humanitarian ties and cooperation in the field of education were discussed.
Valentina Matvienko and Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the chambers of parliament of the two countries. According to the Federation Council Speaker, the document will open up additional opportunities for expanded cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Federation Council Speaker Konstantin Kosachev, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Social Policy Mokhmad Akhmadov, and Deputy Chair of the Committee on Economic Policy Murat Khapsirokov.