Valentina Matvienko and Auxillia Mnangagwa Discuss Bilateral Cooperation, by Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Speaker of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, has held a meeting with Auxillia Mnangagwa, the spouse of the President of Zimbabwe and head of the Angel of Hope Foundation. “I hold very warm memories of my official visit to Zimbabwe in June 2022 and the conversation I had with President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as the detailed conversation with Auxillia Mnangagwa in Moscow in December of the same year,” Matvienko said.

She explains that the leaders of Zimbabwe have been consistent in their efforts to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia. Matvienko emphasised the fact that Russia and Zimbabwe have built a solid track record of maintaining friendly relations going all the way back to the time when the people of Zimbabwe fought for their independence. “This past February, we marked 45 years of establishing diplomatic relations between our countries. Since that time, our two countries have established regular and proactive political dialogue based on mutual respect and the adherence to a multipolar world order with greater justice for all,” the Federation Council Speaker added.

“Historical eras came and went, but we have invariably supported each other and continue acting this way despite the challenging international landscape,” Matvienko pointed out.

In her remarks, the Federation Council Speaker mentioned the fact that the delegation of Zimbabwe led by the country’s President has been proactive in taking part in the Russia–Africa summits. “The third summit is scheduled to take place on 28-29 October in Moscow. Preparations for this event are entering the final stretch, and there is an ongoing effort to prepare a roadmap for promoting practical cooperation. I am convinced that the upcoming summit will serve as a powerful impetus for promoting deeper cooperation between Russia and African countries, including Zimbabwe,” Matvienko said, noting further that members of parliament were ready to play their part in promoting the agreements resulting from the summit.

Auxillia Mnangagwa said that the participation by the President of Zimbabwe in the Russia-Africa summit was designed to enhance bilateral ties and promote deeper cooperation. “We attach great importance to these relations and are grateful for the support we receive in developing Zimbabwe,” she noted.

The Federation Council Speaker praised Auxillia Mnangagwa for her leadership in healthcare and education, as well as in helping people facing hardship. “We have a lot of appreciation for your personal contribution to expanding cooperation between Russia and Zimbabwe. Both countries have been paying special attention to supporting families and children, caring for their people and empowering women in public affairs and government,” she added.

During the conversation, Matvienko recalled that Auxillia Mnangagwa took part in the 3rd Eurasian Women’s Forum and invited her to attend the EWF’s next edition, which is scheduled to take place in 2027. The Federation Council Speaker supported the proposal by the President of Zimbabwe’s spouse to hold an interactive session featuring the first ladies from various African countries.

The meeting’s agenda also covered humanitarian matters and educational cooperation. Participants in the meeting also included Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council, Konstantin Kosachev; First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government and Northern Affairs, Galina Karelova; and Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Yelena Afanaseva. Federation Council is the Upper Legislative Chamber (Senate) of the Russian Federation.