On inter-parliamentary relations
“We are in favor of stepping up our relations,” said the Chairman of the State Duma at the meeting. He noted if the dynamics of relations at the level of parliaments and at the level of the heads of two states are to compare, then ‘we are still far from saying that our relations are effective and have a systemic basis.’
Radek Vondráček, for whom this is his first visit to Moscow, conveyed to Viacheslav Volodin
Vyacheslav Victorovich
The Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the eighth convocation. Elected in single mandate constituency № 163 (Saratov constituency - Saratov Oblast)
greetings of the President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman, noting the constructive and good relations between the two
heads of state.
“A very good working relationship has been built at the level of our heads of state. It is important for us that the same cooperation should be developed at the level of parliaments, so that we can ensure through legislation the decisions that our presidents take,” agreed Viacheslav Volodin.
He also stressed that it is necessary, “based on our spiritual and linguistic affinities, culture and history, to do everything to have good working relations between the parliaments, built on the principles of mutual respect, trust, absence of double standards and non-interference in the affairs of sovereign states.”
”These are the principles of our country's policy when we build relations with other States,“ said the Chairman of the State Duma and noted that the State Duma is developing relations ”with broad range of European countries.“
It is important that relations with the Czech Parliament be reconstructed, and the parties should embrace dialogue – the basis of trust. ”When there is a dialogue, there is an opportunity to discuss any issues, “Viacheslav Volodin said.
He also expressed gratitude to his Czech colleague for the fact that Russian language is widely studied in the Czech Republic, it is taught in 220 schools and 43 universities. According to Viacheslav Volodin, also more than six thousand Russian people are students of universities in the Czech Republic.
Tourist flow to the Czech Republic, he said, has increased over the past year by 35%: “Russia in fourth place forms the tourism industry of the Czech Republic, this is a very important indicator. After all, tourists cannot go there by the order,” the Chairman of the State Duma said.
Bilateral trade between the two countries also increased by 35% in 2017, and in the first half of 2018, the growth was 18%. This is an indicator of the intensification of business relations between our countries, “but it is too early to say that the maximum has been achieved,“ Viacheslav Volodin said.
“I believe that it is important to improve parliamentary relations, because parliamentary diplomacy provides an opportunity to raise serious issues that are not included in the agenda of meetings between the Presidents, executive authorities, ministers,” Radek Vondráček said, adding that “there is no reason not to improve our relations at a high level.”
Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic emphasized that it is very “important to meet and talk about controversial issues,” whether it is sensitive issues on the international agenda, such as the situation in Ukraine or the so-called Skripal case or historical issues.
“History should unite us”
Viacheslav Volodin said: “History should unite us, we should look for those positive moments in history that can bring us together. I think that the people of the Czech Republic will not forget the Russian soldier who liberated the Czech Republic from Nazism and brought victory in World War II.“
“This is a starting point in our relations, and we can pass it on to the next generations. There is something that cannot be revised, should not be revised — the results of the victory and the expensive price that was paid for the victory over Nazism by the Soviet people”, — the Chairman of the State Duma said.
On Skripal case
Speaking of unsubstantiated accusations regarding involvement in the so-called Skripal case, Viacheslav Volodin reminded that Russia is still not allowed to participate in investigation, which seriously affects its objectivity. “When people want to find out and find the truth, they start to work together, share information, attract independent experts, and only after that they come up with solutions that can be presented to the international community,” he said. “Russia cannot put up with what is happening in this connection in a number of countries and with the accusations “which look like a label”.
“We are supporters of dialogue. Cooperation should be developed without double standards and interference in the affairs of sovereign states,“ said Viacheslav Volodin.
On the situation in Syria
Speaking about the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, Viacheslav Volodin reminded that Russia is fighting international terrorism there.
“We defend peace on the territory of our country and defend peace on the territory of Europe. But for someone it is unpleasant. If we want to discuss it, then let's discuss it openly,” said the Chairman of the State Duma.
He also reminded that today “the situation in Syria is under control. The terrorist state, which almost had formalized within its borders on the territory of Syria, has been defeated. […] It would be difficult to do this without the Russian Federation, Turkey, Iran.”
Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Olga Timofeeva
Olga Victorovna
, Chairman of the Committee on Health Protection Dmitrii Morozov
Dmitrii Anatolieviсh
,
Chairwoman of the Committee on Issues of Family, Women and Children
Tamara Pletneva
Tamara Vasilievna
, Chairwoman of the Committee on Control and Regulations
Olga Savastyanova
Olga Viktorovna
, First Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee on International
Affairs Svetlana Zhurova
Svetlana Sergeevna
also attended the meeting.
