An historic bilateral agreement between the Parliaments of South Africa and Russia was signed here yesterday to improve people to people contact between the two countries.

Both countries are part of a group of five, including Brazil, India and China, which constitute an emerging economic block known as BRICS.

The agreement was signed after discussions between the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Mr Ilyas Magomed-Salamovich Umakhanov.

Former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy was present at the meeting as quotes by the late statesman were invoked to guide the discussions. A wreath was laid at the statue of Mr Mandela in front of the National Assembly after the meeting.

The two Parliaments agreed to strengthen ties and cooperation through exchange programmes and by encouraging freer movement of people between the two countries. Education, agriculture, economic cooperation and coordination in the global arena were also identified as key areas for closer cooperation.

Members of Parliament should not be left behind in developments taking place at executive level between their countries. Members have to take an interest in and be involved in these, the two leaders observed in their discussion ahead of signing the agreement.

They expressed mutual interest in the establishment of a BRICS Parliamentary Forum to allow for the leadership of the Parliaments of the five countries to meet more frequently to scrutinise decisions taken by leaders of their countries.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is testimony to the historical, present and future ties between our countries,” Ms Modise said.

A meeting between the Russian delegation and the Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Baleka Mbete takes place today.