The Federation Council Speaker discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation with the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State of Cuba.
Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko held a meeting with President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández. The conversation took place on the sidelines of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.
Valentina Matvienko noted that Russian and Cuban parliamentarians remain in constant contact. “In March 2025, they visited Russia. We regularly communicate by phone and via videoconference. This underscores the special nature of relations between our countries, particularly between the speakers of our parliaments.”
The Federation Council Speaker emphasised that trust between the Presidents of the two countries has elevated cooperation to a new level. “We were delighted to host Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez on 9 May for the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory, during which substantive talks were held with President Vladimir Putin. I also met with the President of Cuba. Together, we opened an exhibition commemorating the 65th anniversary of restoring diplomatic relations between our countries.”
The Federation Council Speaker welcomed Cuba’s accession as a partner state to BRICS, a decision she said was supported by all participating countries. She also highlighted Cuba’s active role as an observer state within the EAEU. “BRICS and the EAEU present Cuba with new opportunities for constructive and mutually beneficial economic cooperation with states which are part of these groups.”
The Speaker of the Federation Council underscored the significance of the inaugural Russia-Cuba business dialogue, titled “Russia-Cuba: An Innovative Bridge to the Future. Investments, Technologies, Tourism, Sustainable Growth,” held on the sidelines of this year’s St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Valentina Matvienko expressed confidence that concrete projects would follow this high-profile meeting.
Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández noted the traditionally amicable atmosphere of the talks. “It is an honour to meet for the second time in recent months, including on the sidelines of this major conference. The parliaments of Russia and Cuba have contributed to elevating bilateral relations to this high level. The March visit to Russia was highly productive, as it preceded a session of the Intergovernmental Commission,” President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State of Cuba said.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev and First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Andrey Denisov.