Despite attempts to undermine parliamentary contacts, we continue discussions and think about how to build the future, the senator noted.
A meeting took place between Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Vyacheslav Timchenko, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Governance, and L’uboš Blaha, non-attached member of the European Parliament representing the Slovak SMER-SD party (Direction – Social Democracy).
The parties underscored the importance of maintaining substantive and constructive interparliamentary dialogue. “Despite ongoing attempts to undermine parliamentary contacts, we continue to meet, exchange views, and reflect on how to shape the future,” Grigory Karasin stated.
He also noted that, unfortunately, biased, bordering on absurd attitudes toward Russia remain prevalent among the European political elites. “Meetings with independent European politicians are more useful than ever today. It is encouraging that some political figures, including those in leadership positions, are beginning to question the rampant anti-Russia rhetoric promoted by certain Western capitals,” the senator added.
Vyacheslav Timchenko, who chairs the Federation Council’s cooperation group with the National Council of the Slovak Republic, highlighted that previous regular contacts and exchanges between parliamentary delegations had contributed to constructive dialogue. “Our meeting is therefore a natural and important extension of parliamentary activities. We can see that the elements of Nazism that Western politicians are currently trying to use in their fight against Russia will never be supported by sensible people in Europe. We hear this from independent politicians and feel it from ordinary European citizens, including at cultural and sporting events.”
L’uboš Blaha, in turn, spoke about the interest of the Slovak people and government in developing pragmatic cooperation with Russia. He stressed the importance of dialogue on preserving historical memory and preventing the distortion of history in today’s conditions. He also reaffirmed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s intention to visit Moscow on 9 May. “As you know, problems arose with his overflight of the Baltic states. This is a gross violation of international norms.”
The sides also discussed current regional and international issues, including the situation around Ukraine, particularly in the context of halted gas and oil transit to Slovakia, as well as developments in the Middle East.
It was noted that global international institutions continue to degrade, while the number of conflicts and security threats continues to grow. Against this backdrop, the participants reaffirmed their intention to maintain parliamentary contacts aimed at improving the overall climate in international politics.