Events

In Geneva, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko has a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa Angela Didiza

The meeting took place ahead of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.

Valentina Matvienko noted that Russia prioritised strengthening ties, including parliamentary links, with African countries. She stated that relations between Russia and South Africa were developing rapidly based on the principles of strategic partnership, equality, and mutual respect.

She also noted that Russia and South Africa were actively cooperating at the G20, which South Africa is chairing in 2025, as well as at the UN, BRICS, and other international organisations.

“South Africa’s international prestige grows year by year. Its G20 Presidency this year is an important event, to which we attach much importance and which we regard as a good opportunity to enhance the Global South’s role in the world economy and to highlight Africa’s emergence as one of the centres of the multipolar world,” Valentina Matvienko said.

“Generally, we prioritise strengthening ties with African countries, including parliamentary ties,” she added.

The Federation Council Speaker and the Speaker of the South African National Assembly discussed preparations for the 11th Summit of G20 Speakers of Parliament, which will held in Africa for the first time in history, as well as interaction between young Russian and South African members of parliament, and issues related to training South African students at Russian universities.

According to Angela Didiza, inter-parliamentary cooperation is an important component of the interstate ties existing between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa. She commented on the high importance that South Africa attaches to its contacts with Russia. In her words, Russia’s contribution to South African freedom and independence can hardly be overestimated.

Angela Didiza also pointed out the significant authority that BRICS holds in the world. The Global South takes into account BRICS’s contribution to the economy. According to the Speaker, it is essential to continue strengthening the Group so that it remains influential.