Speaker of the Federation Council says Russia is ready to increase number of scholarships for Ethiopian students
She recalled the Russian side's endeavour to create a BRICS+ group in the Inter-Parliamentary Union
A delegation of the upper house of the Russian parliament has arrived on an official three-day visit to Ethiopia. Speaker of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as well as with the presidents of both chambers of the country's parliament. This is reported by the press service of the Council of Federation.
At the talks with the head of the Ethiopian government Matvienko emphasised that the republic is Russia's key partner in Africa. According to her, the main goals of the Russian delegation's visit are to strengthen ties between the legislative bodies of the two states and to stimulate trade and economic cooperation.
"The trade turnover between Russia and Ethiopia in 2024 increased more than four times. Moreover, both export and import indicators have grown," she said.
Matvienko noted that Ethiopia's accession to BRICS in 2024 opens new opportunities for both bilateral cooperation and cooperation in multilateral structures, including the UN.
For his part, Ahmed stressed the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue and regular contacts between lawmakers for the large-scale development of relations between the states.
In her meeting with Ethiopian Federation Council Chairman Agegnehu Teshager, the Speaker of the upper house of the Russian parliament also pointed to the rapid expansion of the two countries' ties in BRICS.
"We will definitely continue our cooperation with Ethiopia at international parliamentary platforms and on the BRICS fields to implement the agreements of our leaders. We have aspirations to form a BRICS+ group within the Inter-Parliamentary Union. As far as I know, the Federation Council of the Republic supports this idea," Matvienko said.
In addition, she expressed Russia's readiness to increase the number of budget seats for Ethiopian students from the current one hundred and stressed the need to update the 1978 agreement on mutual recognition of diplomas.
Teshager proposed the establishment of a parliamentary association between the states. He also reiterated the commitment of the republic's government to further enhance relations with the Russian Federation, according to Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a partner of TV BRICS.
The final day of the visit included a meeting with Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie, where the Speaker of the Council of the Russian Federation noted the effective interaction with Ethiopian counterparts in BRICS.
"Your country is making a notable contribution to the collective strength of BRICS and giving its members a fresh perspective on the African continent. The association has gained a new, dynamic and active member," Matvienko noted.
The Russian delegation included senators, representatives of 14 ministries, agencies, state corporations and scientific organisations.
Updated 21 February 12:20
Photo: council.gov.ru.en
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