The Federation Council Speaker discussed the future of legislative cooperation with the President of the Senate of the Republic of Madagascar Richard Ravalomanana.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko met with President of the Senate of the Republic of Madagascar Richard Ravalomanana, who is visiting Russia for the first time.
The Speaker of the Federation Council noted the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries. “Madagascar has long been Russia’s reliable partner in Africa. Diplomatic ties were established over 50 years ago. The Soviet Union, and later Russia, has always supported the Malagasy people in their struggle against colonial oppression, in defending their sovereignty, and in building an independent economy,” she emphasised.
Valentina Matvienko said that the two countries share a common vision for shaping a more balanced system of international relations and a multipolar international order. She emphasised the active engagement between the countries at various levels, noting, in particular, Madagascar’s participation in the Russia-Africa Summit.
The Speaker of the Federation Council expressed confidence that the visit of the Madagascar delegation will enhance understanding of the processes occurring in Russia, foster the development of inter-parliamentary dialogue, and ultimately strengthen bilateral cooperation.
President of the Senate of the Republic of Madagascar Richard Ravalomanana noted the significance of enhancing inter-parliamentary relations as well as the role of parliamentarians in fostering the development of the two countries.
During the conversation, Valentina Matvienko emphasised the effectiveness of parliamentarians’ work within the cooperation group. She mentioned that the Russian side of the group for interaction with the Senate of the Republic of Madagascar has already been established. “The group is led by Alexander Shenderyuk-Zhidkov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on the Budget and Financial Markets, and consists of 11 senators.”
The Federation Council Speaker invited the delegation from the Republic of Madagascar to participate in the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress, scheduled for May 2025 in St Petersburg.
During the meeting, topics such as cooperation in education and youth exchanges were also discussed. “We welcome the interest of Malagasy citizens in participating in various international forums held in Russia; these events provide an opportunity to better understand our country and culture, while also enhancing our friendship,” the Speaker of the Federation Council remarked.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev and First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on the Budget and Financial Markets Alexander Shenderyuk-Zhidkov.