Parliament, Wednesday, 15 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, today held a constructive bilateral meeting with the Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr Vyacheslav Volodin, as part of the South African Parliament's official working visit to the Russian Federation.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between South Africa and Russia, founded on the historic solidarity extended by the former Soviet Union during South Africa's liberation struggle and strengthened through more than three decades of diplomatic and parliamentary cooperation since the advent of democracy in 1994.
The two parliamentary leaders underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and agreed that legislatures have a critical role to play in supporting cooperation between the two countries through legislation, oversight and sustained dialogue.
The Chairperson emphasised the importance of giving practical effect to the 2024 Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Council of Provinces and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation by expanding exchanges between parliamentarians, strengthening committee-to-committee cooperation, and promoting collaboration between South African provinces and Russian regions.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of promoting people-to-people relations, sharing legislative experience and best practices, strengthening parliamentary oversight over bilateral agreements, and advancing the shared values of mutual respect, peaceful dialogue, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development.
The Chairperson noted that the enduring relationship between South Africa and Russia continues to be built on mutual trust, understanding and shared interests. She further acknowledged the resilience demonstrated by the Russian Federation in navigating a complex international environment and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing common developmental challenges.
The meeting forms part of Parliament's broader efforts to deepen international parliamentary cooperation and ensure that bilateral relations between South Africa and the Russian Federation continue to deliver meaningful benefits for the people of both countries.
The South African delegation comprises NCOP Members of Parliament Ms Sindiswa Masumpa and Ms Sanny Ndhlovu, as well as National Assembly Members of Parliament Mr Mogodu Samuel Moela and Mr Imraan Ismail Moosa.
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Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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