Federation Council Speaker discussed prospects of interparliamentary cooperation with the Speaker of the Somali Senate.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko held a meeting with Speaker of the Senate of the Federal Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia Abdi Hashi Abdullahi.
The Federation Council Speaker praised her counterpart’s experience with executive and legislative authorities. “You support fostering friendly relations with Russia and hold a positive attitude toward our country,” the Speaker said.
Valentina Matvienko noted that an eventful programme had been prepared for the Senate delegation’s visit, which includes Abdi Hashi Abdullahi’s address during a plenary meeting.
“Our countries maintain traditionally friendly ties. The Soviet Union helped with the establishment of Somali statehood. Hundreds of our specialists took part in the construction of local social infrastructure, delivering equipment and machinery. More than 20,000 Somali teachers, doctors, engineers and other professionals studied at Soviet universities,” the Speaker added.
She also highlighted that 25 May marks Africa Day, a holiday of great importance not only for Africans but for the entire world as well. “The date symbolises overcoming the colonial past and represents the African peoples’ will in their struggle for freedom and independence. This year has many significant anniversaries, such as 80 years since the end of World War II and 65 years since the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. The defeating of Nazism and the collapse of the colonial system became major milestones of the 20th century, ensuring free development for all states and nations.”
Valentina Matvienko emphasised that Russia is committed to expanding its traditionally friendly links with African partners, noting that the past Russia-Africa summits have established new vectors of cooperation, including between parliaments. “Russian senators are open to cooperation and dialogue, ready to share experience and coordinate views on key regional and global issues at international platforms.”
The Federation Council Speaker proposed establishing cooperation between specific committees and within the group on contacts with the parliaments of African countries. She also encouraged expanding contacts on the sidelines of international parliamentary platforms.
Abdi Hashi Abdullahi confirmed Somalia’s readiness to collaborate with Russia. “Every meeting and every contact provides us with invaluable experience. I am confident that this visit to Russia will be productive.”
He noted that the republic remembers and appreciates Soviet assistance, particularly during periods of drought.
Abdi Hashi Abdullahi added that the republic is yet to stabilise its political situation and carry out constitutional amendments, with the outcome contingent upon achieving nationwide reconciliation between the adversarial political forces.
The parties further discussed prospects of cooperation between Russia and Somalia across various fields, including interregional ties and education. Valentina Matvienko specifically focused on the youth agenda, highlighting the importance of young people in both countries learning more about Russia-Somalia friendship.
The Speaker expressed confidence that the Somali delegation’s visit will contribute to a better understanding of the processes in Russia, facilitating interparliamentary cooperation and broadening the scope of bilateral interaction. “This visit is also significant in the context of the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic relations that Russia and Somalia will mark in September.”
Other meeting participants included Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security Vladimir Bulavin, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lyudmila Skakovskaya, and Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy Yury Fedorov.