The governments of Ghana and Russia have held discussions on deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The discussions were held by Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, and Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council, on the sidelines of the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress in St. Petersburg.

International collaboration in addressing ecological challenges and advancing sustainable development was a vital issue that was discussed.

The two leaders shared principles, including support for a multipolar world order, the strengthening of the United Nations' role, and respect for the sovereignty of nations.

Key areas of cooperation to be looked at by the two nations are expanding parliamentary friendship groups, supporting joint research initiatives, and facilitating engagements between parliamentary committees.

Additionally, both sides explored partnerships in the mining, energy, and agro-industrial sectors, as well as increasing educational exchanges, particularly through scholarships for Ghanaian students to study in Russia.

Speaker Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers in Africa, praised the forum as a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

He commended Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with African nations and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to fostering closer relations through legislative diplomacy.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to enhance collaboration, underscoring the role of parliaments in driving global environmental and developmental agendas.

Meanwhile, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on parliaments across the globe to harness their legislative authority in combating climate change.

According to him, legislative bodies worldwide must leverage their law-making powers to implement effective climate solutions. Highlighting the existential threat posed by climate change, he called for robust national commitments to environmental protection and investment in renewable energy.