The Chairman of the State Duma noted the fact that it was the first visit of Mabel Chinomona to the State Duma.
“Today, all
achievements in the framework of cooperation between our countries have been
reached because of good relations and constant dialogue between the heads of our states,” said 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)
. “We also should build relations at the inter-parliamentary level on a systematic basis,” he added.
Mabel Chinomona stressed that relations between the two countries started in the Soviet era, when the USSR supported Zimbabwe in its struggle for independence.
“For me, the support that you, your government provide to African countries, is like a breath of fresh air,” added Mabel Chinomona.
In building relations with other states, Russia always proceeded from the principles of reciprocity, friendship, respect, mutually beneficial cooperation and non-interference in the internal, sovereign affairs of independent states, as stressed the Chairman of the State Duma.
“Our countries have never built relations on some kind of mercantile basis. We have always been helping each other in different situations,” emphasized Vyacheslav Volodin.
Support at international level
The Chairman of the State Duma noted the cooperation between Russia and Zimbabwe at various international platforms. He thanked Mabel Chinomona for her country's position at the UN on a number of issues of key importance for Russia.
The President of the Senate of Zimbabwe recalled that the Russian Federation, as well as China, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution, which could authorize foreign military intervention in the country.
“The system of international relations is going through a process of transformation. Despite Washington's attempts to stop that, the world is following the path of building a new multipolar system. And in this large construction, the African continent definitely plays a huge role,” added Vyacheslav Volodin.
It is obvious that only in sovereign states people have the opportunity to plan their future, have the right to their culture, history, language, religion, according to the Chairman of the State Duma.
“Western countries live in the world of old clichés, old colonial habits, trying to impose their will on other states,” added Vyacheslav Volodin. Mabel Chinomona agreed with him.
“I know that you supported the participation of the State Duma as an observer in the African Parliamentary Union. We plan to take part in its meeting this year, so we look forward to seeing you again. And, of course, it is important for us to create new structures, platforms for more active discussions of issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Russia and Africa,” said the Chairman of the State Duma.
Inter-parliamentary contacts
Vyacheslav Volodin recalled that there was signed an agreement on cooperation between the State Duma and the National Assembly of the Republic of Zimbabwe in 2022. “There are a lot of opportunities to use the parliamentary dimension, a resource that should give new impetus and enhance development of cooperation between our countries,” he said.
Mabel Chinomona said that during her visit to Russia, there was also signed an agreement on cooperation between the Senate of Zimbabwe and the Federation Council.
“We have active cooperation at the parliamentary level. Recently, we have been striving to promote economic ties. This gives us great hope,” added the Speaker of the Senate of Zimbabwe.
Vyacheslav Volodin also told Mabel Chinomona about the recent International Parliamentary Conference “Russia-Africa”, as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe Jacob Mudenda took part in the Conference.
“We invite you to pay a visit again. Taking into account the fact that the Russia-Africa Conference will be held annually, we would like to see you among its participants,” said the Chairman of the State Duma.
The Speaker of the Senate invited Vyacheslav Volodin to visit Zimbabwe. According to her, that would give new impetus to the development of economic ties between the two countries, especially in the conditions of Western sanctions imposed against the Russian Federation and Zimbabwe. The Chairman of the State Duma thanked her for the invitation.
