Following the meetings in Istanbul, the Federation Council Speaker noted that Russia’s approach to many issues resonated with most of its foreign colleagues.
On the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, the Speaker of the Federation Council met with Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.
The two sides discussed current bilateral and international issues and the further strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, Head of the Federation Council Group on Cooperation with the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Türkiye Murat Khapsirokov, and Chair of the State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky.
***
Speaking to journalists about the meeting’s outcomes and the work of the Russian delegation at the 152nd IPU Assembly, Valentina Matvienko thanked the Turkish side for its hospitality and noted the excellent organisation of the Assembly’s events.
According to her, the Russian team’s work at the Assembly was productive and very useful for both Russian parliamentarians and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. “We took an active part in finalising the two main resolutions. We worked in all Assembly formats, including the IPU Women’s and Youth Forums, as well as the Special Conference on Palestine initiated by the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament.”
Russia’s position was heard, the Federation Council Speaker said. “The proposals we put forward generated interest and support from our foreign colleagues.”
Valentina Matvienko believes it was crucial to draw the international parliamentary community’s attention to the initiative of the Russian President put forward in 2024 to shape a Eurasian security architecture. “We are convinced that this proposal is more relevant today than ever. It envisages bringing together the countries of Europe and Asia within a single, universal and indivisible security system. We have also actively promoted our initiative to create a collective security system in the Persian Gulf region. The states of the region must join this effort. We also welcome the participation of other players interested in achieving long-term, stable peace in this region.”
These Russian initiatives were outlined in Valentina Matvienko’s remarks at the Assembly’s plenary session.
The Federation Council Speaker also spoke about the numerous contacts made at the Assembly with heads of foreign parliaments, both in formal negotiations and on the sidelines.
“A constructive exchange of opinions and proposals took place. The parliamentary community is actively involved in political and diplomatic efforts and peace negotiations. Russia’s position is supported by the majority of countries,” Valentina Matvienko concluded.