Matviyenko notes the importance of South Africa's identified priorities for its BRICS Chairmanship

Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko held talks with Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of the South African Parliament Amos Masondo. The talks were focused on intensifying inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The Chairman of the Federation Council expressed gratitude for the interesting speech delivered during the II International Russia-Africa Parliamentary Conference. According to her, the participation of the heads of both chambers of the South African Parliament is indicative of the special relationship between Russia and South Africa, as well as the high level of inter-parliamentary cooperation and interest in the development of inter-state strategic partnership. "South Africa is our strategic partner and time-tested friend," she stressed.

Valentina Matvienko told about preparations of the second Russia-Africa summit, which will be held in St. Petersburg on July this year. "We highly appreciate the decision of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend it. We see this decision as an interest in cooperation in various spheres," said the Chairman of the Federation Council.

The Chairman of the Federation Council also said that the summit's agenda will include discussions on the conditions for strengthening multipolarity in the world. Moreover, the summit will discuss the decisions related to ensuring trade and economic ties. According to her, a business conference and a forum for the expansion of humanitarian cooperation will be held at the same time.

At the meeting Matvienko also stressed the importance of the priorities of the South African presidency in BRICS in 2023. The Chairman of the Federation Council described cooperation among parliaments through BRICS as prospective.

"The leadership of the BRICS countries is needed now more than ever to work out a unifying course towards a truly multipolar system of inter-state relations based on the norms of international law and the key principles of the UN Charter"

Valentina Matvienko Chairman of the Federation Council

The Chairman of the Federation Council mentioned that this important platform plays a significant role in defining the world agenda, and is also a significant point in the economy of the multipolar world.

According to Matvienko, one of the most important tasks is to institutionalize the parliamentary dimension of BRICS, to hold independent meetings of parliamentarians of the BRICS member countries on a permanent basis without being linked to other multilateral formats.

In addition, she noted the need to continue working, including during the South African chairmanship, on the development of criteria that would serve as a basis for the admission of new members to the association.

Amos Masondo agreed that parliamentarians should play a more important role in the BRICS, as there are many economic and social issues on the group's agenda. He also stressed that the strategic relationship with Russia is very important for South Africa.

The day before, Valentina Matvienko attended the plenary session of the II International Russia-Africa Parliamentary Conference.

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