Chairman of the State Duma discussed with Speaker of Althingi inter-parliamentary cooperation between Russia and Iceland
Viacheslav Volodin and Steingrímur J. Sigfússon agreed to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation on Arctic issues
The Chairman of the State Duma expressed gratitude to his Icelandic counterpart for having taken a decision to visit Moscow, despite all the difficulties caused by the pandemic. He also noted the fact that the previous visit of the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Iceland to Russia took place 13 years ago.
“It is really great that you
have come here, your visit will give impetus to our cooperation and inter-parliamentary relations. I hope there will be more regular meetings and we will understand each other better,” said 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)
.
Steingrímur J. Sigfússon thanked Russian side for the invitation to visit Moscow. He stressed that, despite conflict situations in the world, Russia and Iceland should discuss issues of interest.
Speaker of Althingi also invited a delegation of the State Duma to pay a visit to Iceland.
Development of cooperation in the Arctic region
The meeting participants discussed development of cooperation between the two states in the Arctic region. Viacheslav Volodin proposed to create an inter-parliamentary working group which would discuss that issue.
“We could create a working group and enhance our cooperation within the existing formats,” he said.
Steingrímur J. Sigfússon stressed that the purpose of the visit of the Icelandic delegation to Moscow was to discuss cooperation in the Arctic region. He said that Iceland supported the idea of developing a dialogue with Russia and with the Arctic Council.
The Chairman of the State Duma stressed that was very important to discuss all these issues, including at the venues of the Council of Europe.
Following the meeting, Viacheslav Volodin said that Russia was always ready for dialogue and adhered to the principle of the absence of double standards and building cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis.
