St. Petersburg: Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), met with Matviyenko Valentina, Chairwoman of the Council of Federation of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress (NIEC) in St. Petersburg, Russia. Several members of the FNC were present during this meeting.
According to Emirates News Agency, the FNC Speaker expressed gratitude to the Council of Federation for inviting them to participate in the international environmental parliamentary conference. He praised the conference's organization and recognized NIEC's importance as a global platform for exchanging ideas and expertise on environmental issues and sustainable development. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting international cooperation in climate and environmental concerns.
He also stressed the role of parliaments in supporting government initiatives to combat climate change and protect the environment. The UAE's leadership in this area was acknowledged, referencing the country's hosting of COP28 and the FNC's involvement in organizing the accompanying parliamentary conference. This event saw significant international participation, including Russia, with a focus on supporting legislative climate action.
The discussion also explored ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the UAE and the Russian Federation, reflecting the depth of their strategic relations and a mutual desire to develop them based on friendship and collaboration across sectors. Both parties underscored the importance of coordinating positions in regional and international parliamentary forums to achieve mutual interests and shared goals for a sustainable future.
The leaders also acknowledged the impact of high-level meetings in advancing bilateral relations and enhancing strategic cooperation. These engagements lay a foundation for institutional parliamentary communication, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries and translating leadership directives into tangible initiatives that benefit both nations.
Matviyenko Valentina welcomed the FNC Speaker and delegation's participation in the congress and affirmed the strong bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the UAE. She commended the UAE's humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in addressing international crises, specifically highlighting its role in facilitating prisoner exchange operations involving over 3,700 individuals amid the Ukraine crisis. These efforts were appreciated by all parties involved, including Russia, underscoring the UAE's commitment to promoting global peace and stability.