The Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav 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)
addressed the participants of the Second
International Parliamentary Conference at the plenary session “Russia-Africa in a Multipolar World”.
He noted the difficulties many guests of the Conference had faced to come there because of the unprecedented pressure, threats and other obstacles used by Washington and Brussels.
“Russia and the states of Africa are united by common goals: we stand together for building a multipolar, just world based on principles of respect for the traditions, culture, history of the countries with which we are building mutually beneficial cooperation,” emphasized Vyacheslav Volodin.
He added that, despite illegal sanctions imposed by Washington, Russia and African states continued developing trade and economic cooperation. According to the Chairman of the State Duma, the trade turnover is also increasing: it reached 17.9 billion USD in 2022.
“Today, the African continent plays an important role in solving global and regional problems. And it will only increase,” said Vyacheslav Volodin and noted the fact that Russia and African countries are equal allies and partners.
“Our relations have always been built on a disinterested basis, on the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs. For our country, the African continent has never been the subject of mercantile interest, the use of labor and raw materials, and we cannot say the same about the United States of America and European states,” stressed the Chairman of the State Duma.
According to him, Washington and Brussels are seeking to take control of Russian and African natural resources. “In fact, they are still pursuing the colonial policy. They use any measures, including forceful and terrorist, for their own benefit,” emphasized the Chairman of the State Duma.
“Washington should not lecture us how to build relations, make friends and make plans for the future,” stressed Vyacheslav Volodin.
“African countries know from their own experience how difficult it is to defend their identity, traditions and values. This unites us. Only nations of sovereign states will have future,” he concluded.
