We are delighted to welcome Dr. Tulia Ackson, the esteemed President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, to the city of St. Petersburg, Russia. Her visit represents a significant milestone in the lead-up to the 2024 BRICS Summit, which will provide a valuable opportunity for some of the world’s most influential emerging economies to engage in discourse on potential avenues for enhanced collaboration.

Dr. Tulia Ackson was greeted with great warmth by Frederick Kibuta, the Ambassador of Tanzania to Russia. The reception served as a fitting testament to the robust diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Russia. The event was a joyful reflection of the mutual respect and shared vision for global progress between the two countries. It was encouraging to observe Ambassador Kibuta’s evident commitment to underscoring the significance of Dr. Ackson’s visit, not merely for Tanzania but for the global community at large.

Dr. Ackson is eagerly anticipating her participation in the 2024 BRICS Summit. The BRICS Summit provides a valuable opportunity for the five member countries to engage in discourse on a range of pivotal global issues. These include economic development, international trade and sustainable growth. It is encouraging to observe Dr. Ackson’s engagement in these deliberations. This demonstrates Tanzania’s active role in global affairs and its commitment to contributing to international solutions.

St. Petersburg is a city of great cultural and historical significance. The location provides an excellent setting for the summit, which is particularly appropriate given the circumstances. The city’s remarkable architectural heritage and vibrant cultural milieu provide an ideal setting for delegates to engage in constructive discourse and establish enduring collaborations. It is a great pleasure to welcome Dr. Ackson to St. Petersburg. She serves as an exemplary representation of the collaborative spirit that underpins the BRICS Summit.

In her capacity as President of the IPU, Dr. Ackson contributes a substantial reservoir of experience and a profound grasp of the principles of parliamentary diplomacy to the proceedings of the summit. Her role as President of the IPU, an organisation that fosters cooperation among parliaments worldwide, positions her as a key figure in the promotion of democratic governance and international collaboration. Her contributions will undoubtedly enhance the discourse at the BRICS Summit, facilitating the development of policies that address global challenges.

It is anticipated that the 2024 BRICS Summit will address a plethora of issues, including economic inequality, climate change, technological innovation and public health. Dr. Ackson’s participation is of particular significance in light of her advocacy for sustainable development and her efforts to promote gender equality and social justice. Her contribution will be pivotal in guaranteeing that the outcomes of the summit are inclusive and equitable.

Furthermore, Dr. Ackson’s role within the IPU is complemented by her position as Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, which serves to illustrate her considerable influence in the shaping of national and international policies. Her tenure as Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania has been distinguished by a dedication to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. These principles are fundamental to the establishment of trust and cooperation among nations, and Dr. Ackson’s dedication to these values will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset at the BRICS Summit.

The reception, hosted by Ambassador Kibuta, served to celebrate Tanzanian culture and hospitality. The event included performances of traditional Tanzanian music and dance, which served to illustrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. The event provided an opportunity for Dr. Ackson to engage with the Tanzanian diaspora in Russia and to reinforce the ties between the two countries.

In addition to her scheduled activities in St. Petersburg, Dr. Ackson will engage in a series of meetings with prominent Russian officials and representatives from other BRICS nations. The objective of these meetings is to foster bilateral relations and to identify potential avenues for collaboration across a range of sectors, including trade, education and technology. Dr. Ackson’s diplomatic expertise and her capacity to foster connections between disparate cultural and interest groups will prove invaluable in propelling these deliberations forward.

In the context of the current global climate, characterised by complex challenges, the role of multilateral forums such as the BRICS Summit is becoming increasingly significant. Dr. Ackson’s participation serves to illustrate the necessity of inclusive dialogue and collective action. Her attendance at the St. Petersburg event is evidence of Tanzania’s dedication to global collaboration and its aspiration to play a role in creating a more equitable and sustainable global order.

The forthcoming BRICS Summit in 2024 is the subject of considerable anticipation, with leaders and delegates from around the globe preparing to convene in St. Petersburg. The summit offers a distinctive occasion to tackle pressing global concerns and to delineate a trajectory for a more prosperous and equitable future. Dr. Ackson’s involvement represents a significant contribution to this endeavour, offering a perspective that is both informed and visionary.

Significance of the Visit

Dr. Tulia Ackson’s Visit to Russia: A Milestone in International Parliamentary Relations

Dr. Tulia Ackson’s recent visit to Russia represents a significant milestone in the fostering of international parliamentary relations and the enhancement of diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Russia. Her arrival has been met with considerable anticipation and excitement, reflecting the importance of her role in global parliamentary diplomacy. This visit serves to illustrate the increasing significance of parliamentary diplomacy in the formation of international relations, while simultaneously emphasising the strategic alliance between Tanzania and Russia.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Dr. Ackson’s visit serves to illustrate the growing strength of bilateral relations between Tanzania and Russia. The two countries have a long history of collaboration, which commenced during the Soviet era when Russia provided support to Tanzania in its pursuit of independence. Over time, this relationship has undergone a process of evolution, encompassing a range of sectors, including education, defence and trade. The objective of Dr. Ackson’s visit is to consolidate this foundation and identify new avenues for collaboration that will be mutually beneficial.

During the course of her visit, Dr. Ackson engaged in discussions at the highest level with Russian parliamentary leaders, including the Chairman of the State Duma and the Chairman of the Federation Council. The meetings concentrated on the advancement of parliamentary collaboration, the dissemination of optimal methodologies, and the resolution of global issues such as climate change, terrorism, and economic disparity. The objective of Dr. Ackson’s visit is to establish a more robust framework for bilateral cooperation by fostering dialogue and understanding.

Promoting Parliamentary Diplomacy

Parliamentary diplomacy is of great consequence in the context of international relations, offering a forum for discourse and collaboration between nations. Dr. Ackson’s visit to Russia serves to illustrate the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global challenges and promoting peace and stability. In her discussions with Russian parliamentary leaders, Dr. Ackson underscored the necessity for enhanced collaboration and the exchange of ideas to confront shared challenges.

One of the principal outcomes of Dr. Ackson’s visit is the establishment of a parliamentary friendship group between Tanzania and Russia. This group will serve as a forum for regular dialogue and the exchange of ideas, with the objective of fostering closer ties between the two countries. The objective of Dr. Ackson’s visit is to reinforce the role of parliaments in the shaping of international relations and the resolution of global challenges through the promotion of parliamentary diplomacy.

Enhancing Economic Cooperation

Dr. Ackson’s visit to Russia is primarily focused on the advancement of economic cooperation. Both Tanzania and Russia have considerable economic potential, and there are a plethora of opportunities for collaboration in a multitude of sectors. During the course of her visit, Dr. Ackson engaged in discussions with Russian business leaders and government officials with a view to exploring potential avenues for trade and investment.

One of the principal areas of interest is the energy sector. Tanzania possesses considerable natural gas reserves, and there is potential for collaboration with Russian energy companies in the exploration and development of these resources. Furthermore, the mining sector presents a potential avenue for collaboration, given Tanzania’s rich mineral deposits, including gold, diamonds, and rare earth elements.

Furthermore, Dr. Ackson underscored the necessity of fortifying the commercial ties between Tanzania and Russia. There is potential for an increase in trade in agricultural products, given that Tanzania is a major producer of coffee, tea, and spices. The objective of Dr. Ackson’s visit is to enhance economic cooperation in order to create new opportunities for trade and investment, which will be mutually beneficial to both countries.

Cultural Exchange and Education

The cultural exchange and education initiatives form an integral part of Dr. Ackson’s visit to Russia. Both Tanzania and Russia possess a rich cultural heritage, and there is considerable scope for greater cultural exchange between the two countries. During the course of her visit, Dr. Ackson held meetings with Russian cultural leaders and visited cultural institutions with a view to exploring potential avenues for collaboration.

One of the principal areas of interest is that of education. There are numerous opportunities for collaboration in the field of education, given the existence of robust educational institutions in both countries. Dr. Ackson underscored the significance of student exchange programmes, joint research initiatives and academic partnerships. The objective of Dr. Ackson’s visit is to promote cultural exchange and education in order to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Tanzania and Russia.

Addressing Global Challenges

Additionally, Dr. Ackson’s visit to Russia concentrated on the discussion of global issues, including climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. In her discussions with Russian parliamentary leaders, Dr. Ackson underscored the necessity for enhanced collaboration and the exchange of ideas to confront these challenges.

Climate change represents a significant global challenge, and both Tanzania and Russia have demonstrated a commitment to addressing this issue. Dr. Ackson underscored the significance of international collaboration in addressing climate change, underscoring the necessity for augmented investment in renewable energy and sustainable development.

Terrorism represents another significant global challenge, with both Tanzania and Russia experiencing its impact. Dr. Ackson underscored the necessity of international collaboration in combating terrorism and underscored the importance of enhanced intergovernmental cooperation.

Meeting with President Vladimir Putin

On 12 July 2024, Dr. Tulia Ackson had an engaging and productive meeting with the President of Russia, His Excellency President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. Their discussion focused on a range of global issues, with a particular emphasis on promoting peace and stability around the world. The meeting underlined the mutual commitment of both leaders to work together for a more harmonious and secure world.

Key Discussion Points

Global Conflicts: Initiatives to address global conflicts.
Economic Development: Enhancing economic development.
Cultural Exchange: Promoting cultural exchange.

The necessity of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving international disputes and fostering mutual understanding among nations was underscored.

Admiration for Russian Culture

Dr. Tulia Ackson articulated her admiration for Russia’s profound cultural legacy and its invaluable contributions to global peace initiatives. She emphasised the importance of the BRICS Summit as a forum for addressing critical issues and strengthening the collaborative relationships between member countries. Her enthusiasm for participating in the summit is indicative of her dedication to representing Tanzania on the global stage and contributing to meaningful international discussions.

Meeting with Speaker Valentina Matvienko

In addition to her meeting with President Putin, Dr. Tulia Ackson engaged in a constructive and illuminating discussion with the Speaker of the Council of the Russian Federation, Hon. Valentina Matvienko. The meeting occurred on 11 July 2024 in the Council’s intimate offices in St. Petersburg. The two leaders engaged in a discussion on the subject of parliamentary leadership, in which they shared their respective experiences and perspectives. They also addressed the issue of ways to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Topics Discussed

Role of Women in Politics: The importance of women’s participation in politics.
Legislative Collaboration: The need for legislative collaboration.
Global Challenges: Joint efforts to address global challenges.

The discussion revealed the existence of shared values and common goals among the members of the respective parliaments.

Commitment to International Cooperation

Dr. Tulia Ackson’s visit to Russia serves as an exemplar of her dedication to the advancement of international collaboration and the establishment of connections between disparate nations. Her meetings with President Putin and Hon. Valentina Matvienko serve to illustrate the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global issues and promoting peace and stability.

The 2024 BRICS Summit

The 2024 BRICS Summit, which Dr. Tulia Ackson is keen to attend, is set to be a seminal event for discussing pivotal global challenges and exploring potential avenues for collaboration among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. As the President of the IPU and Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Dr. Tulia Ackson’s participation in the summit will facilitate the acquisition of valuable insights and perspectives on behalf of Tanzania and the broader international parliamentary community.

Additional Engagements

Dr. Tulia Ackson’s visit to St. Petersburg also encompasses a number of other significant engagements, the objective of which is to reinforce bilateral relations and facilitate cultural exchange. She is scheduled to engage in discussions with various Russian officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives with a view to exploring potential avenues for collaboration in areas including trade, education, and tourism.

Cultural Exploration

One of the most eagerly anticipated aspects of her itinerary is a scheduled tour of St. Petersburg’s historically significant sites and cultural institutions. Dr. Tulia Ackson is particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of exploring the city’s renowned museums, art galleries, and architectural wonders. She maintains that cultural exchange is of paramount importance in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between nations.

Public Events and Forums

In addition to her official meetings and cultural activities, Dr. Tulia Ackson will also participate in a series of public events and forums. These events will afford her the opportunity to engage with the local community, disseminate her experiences and insights, and promote the values of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Lasting Impact

It is anticipated that Dr. Tulia Ackson’s visit to Russia will have a significant and enduring influence on the relationship between Tanzania and Russia. It will facilitate future collaborative endeavours and reinforce the bilateral ties between the two countries. Her dedication to the promotion of international parliamentary diplomacy and her commitment to global peace and stability are to be commended.

Leadership and Vision

In her capacity as President of the IPU, Dr. Tulia Ackson is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of articulating the interests of parliaments across the globe. Her leadership and vision have been pivotal in advancing the IPU’s objectives and promoting the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Her visit to Russia is indicative of her unwavering commitment to these principles.

Dr. Tulia Ackson’s visit to Russia represents a significant event that serves to underscore the importance of international parliamentary relations and diplomatic engagement. Her attendance at the 2024 BRICS Summit evinces her commitment to fostering global cooperation and addressing critical issues on the world stage.

Tanzania Media