Sharjah Consultative Council Visits Moscow City Duma To Enhance Parliamentary Cooperation And Cultural Exchange

The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), led by Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, recently visited the Moscow City Duma. This official visit aimed to boost parliamentary cooperation between the UAE and Russia. The delegation included SCC members Engineer Jamila Al Fandi Al Shamsi, Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden, Amer Mohammed Al Zarouni, and Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, along with Dr. Islam Al Shiwi, a media expert from the General Secretariat.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Alexei Shaposhnikov, Speaker of the State Duma, his deputy Stepan Orlov, and various committee heads. They expressed their enthusiasm for the visit, which underscores the strong ties between the UAE and Russia. The programme commenced with a tour of the historic Duma building.

During their tour, delegates explored an exhibition showcasing rare documents and paintings that depict two centuries of local governance in Moscow. This provided insights into Moscow's rich parliamentary heritage. Following this cultural immersion, a main meeting was held where key discussions took place.

The Duma Speaker presented an overview of the organisational structure of Moscow's City Council. He explained that it comprises 45 deputies elected for five-year terms and operates through 15 specialised committees covering various life aspects. The speaker highlighted the Duma's innovative use of technology.

He noted that in May 2020, it became the first parliament globally to fully transition to remote work while maintaining legislative oversight. He also emphasised Russia's commitment to fostering strategic relations with the UAE over fifty years across diverse fields.

This robust partnership is attributed to visionary leadership in both nations prioritising economic, investment, and cultural cooperation. Bilateral relations have flourished significantly, paving new avenues for collaboration in advanced energy sectors, modern technology, and sustainability.

Shared Goals and Future Collaboration

Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi conveyed greetings from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to Russian leadership and citizens. He stressed SCC's eagerness to enhance collaboration with its Moscow counterpart by forming joint working groups focusing on cultural development and addressing issues like sustainability.

The meeting explored ways to strengthen cooperation across all parliamentary fields by exchanging legislative expertise that aligns with future development goals for both sides. This exchange aims to build strategic partnerships based on shared parliamentary functions.

A Promising Cooperative Future

The visit concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields symbolising deep-rooted friendship and aspirations for a promising cooperative future. This gesture reflects Emirati-Russian relations' historical depth and shared desire to expand ties between Sharjah and Moscow further.

With inputs from WAM