“We are so glad that you have found an opportunity to come here to take part in the Second Parliamentary Conference “Russia-Africa” and our meeting became the first meeting within the framework of the Conference. We hope that your official visit to Russia will take place this year,” said the Chairman of the State Duma.
Vyacheslav Volodin
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) noted the huge interest in the Parliamentary Conference: the first Conference, and there were fewer challenges and problems, brought together participants from 36 countries. “This year, 39 states have confirmed their participation and we are looking forward to welcoming all of them,” he said.
The Chairman of the State Duma stressed that relations between Russia and the Republic of South Africa were developing with the help of cooperation between the presidents of the two states.
“We have great capabilities and we should use the parliamentary dimension to do everything to enhance our cooperation in various areas,” added Vyacheslav Volodin. He suggested preparing and signing a relevant agreement between the State Duma and the National Assembly of the Parliament of South Africa, as well as creating a high-level commission. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula supported his suggestion.
Trade and economic cooperation between the two countries shows good results. The Chairman of the State Duma noted the fact that in 2022 the trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa increased by 16.7%.
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula thanked Vyacheslav Volodin for sending the invitation to take part in the Parliamentary Conference.
“It is very important for us that Russia gives priority to the African continent. Many countries consider Africa as a great possibility to get African resources. But taking into account the history of our cooperation, we, like many other African countries, believe that Russia has other, more genuine interests in Africa,” she stressed.
Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that Russia “has never had and does not have mercantile interests in relations with African countries.”
“The policy of our state, pursued by the President and members of Parliament, despite our different party membership, is aimed at building a multipolar, just world. There is such a possibility. And we should join our efforts to do everything to ensure that all states will have the right to develop on the basis of their culture and traditions, preserving their language and history,” added Vyacheslav Volodin.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of South Africa stressed that the Republic highly appreciated the dialogue with Russia.
“Our cooperation did not start yesterday: it started decades ago. And we felt your support in the worst times for us, during apartheid,” she added. “We understand that now it is a difficult time for Russia as a country. But I would like to assure you that South Africa will continue cooperation. During the Conference, we can discuss areas of cooperation that are important for us. We look forward to its start,” said Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
The speakers also discussed issues of cooperation within the framework of the BRICS, as it is South Africa’s chairmanship. “For us, the cooperation between the parliaments within the BRICS framework is very important, as we can discuss issues of common interest,” emphasized the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of South Africa.
According to Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, South Africa will always remain a friendly country and Russia’s ally.
On 19–20 March 2023, the State Duma will host the Second International Parliamentary Conference “Russia – Africa” in Moscow.
More than 40 official parliamentary delegations from almost all African countries will take part in the Conference. Representatives of the scientific, educational and expert communities from Russia and African countries, members of the State Duma, federal executive authorities, senators of the Federation Council, chairmen of the legislative bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, representatives of the business community will also take part in the events of the Conference.
The objectives of the Conference are to strengthen parliamentary cooperation with African countries in the conditions of formation of a multipolar world, to develop relations and develop common approaches to legal regulation in the economy, science and education and security.
On March 19, on the first day of the Conference, there will be held the following round tables:
— Parliamentary Support of Scientific and Educational Cooperation
— Legislative Response to Economic Challenges
— Indivisible Security: Capabilities and Contributions of Parliaments
— Neocolonialism of the West: How to Prevent the Repetition of History.
On March 19, there will be also held a business breakfast with participation of the parliamentary delegations of African states and Russian business representatives.
On March 20, there will be held a plenary session of the International Parliamentary Conference entitled “Russia-Africa in the multipolar world”.
As part of the events of the Conference, the Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin will hold bilateral meetings with several heads of delegations, speakers of parliaments and chambers of parliaments of African countries.
The Conference is planned to be held just few months before the Second Russia-Africa Summit, which is planned to be held on July 2023 in Saint Petersburg.
The First International Conference “Russia – Africa” was held in Moscow in 2019.
