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)
held a meeting with the Speaker of the Senate of the Federal Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia Abdi Hashi Abdullahi.
Issues of bilateral cooperation within the parliamentary dimension were
discussed at the meeting.
According to Vyacheslav Volodin, Russia-Somalia relations have a long history: they are based on the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and the absence of double standards. “It is important to draw on positive experience, try to do everything to enhance cooperation within the parliamentary dimension and strengthen relations between our nations,” emphasized Vyacheslav Volodin.
The Chairman of the State Duma also noted that developing ties with African and Arab states is one of the foreign policy priorities of the Russian Federation. “We hope that our communication will be more systemic,” he added and expressed confidence that the visit of the Speaker of the Senate of Somalia would give new impetus to cooperation between the two countries.
Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, for his part, expressed gratitude to the Russian side for supporting the sovereign and independent path of development of Somalia. He proposed to intensify parliamentary contacts within the framework of friendship groups. “We consider it necessary to continue cooperation between the chambers of the Federal Assembly and our Parliament. We need the experience of other countries, and you have the necessary competencies in this matter,” said the Speaker of the Senate of Somalia. The Chairman of the State Duma supported his proposal.
Close relations with Russia are important for the development of the Republic, according to Abdi Hashi Abdullahi. “I will never forget the events of 1974–1975, when our country suffered from a terrible drought and famine. During that period of time, the Soviet Union provided enormous support to our country: delivered food, helped move residents from the most affected regions. In addition, the Soviet Union supplied the necessary equipment, machinery and taught our people how to restore agriculture and their own livestock,” he said.
