MALAYSIA-RUSSIA ENTER PROMISING STAGE IN RELATIONS IN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Russia entered a new and
promising stage in relation to inter-parliamentary affairs as both countries'
top legislative personalities held talks here on issues of common interest.

Senate president Wong Foon Meng and Chairman of the Federal Council of the
Federal Assembly of the Russian Parliament, Sergey Mironov, held talks WEdnesday
at the Parliament House here which covered a variety of areas especially the
role of Parliament relating to democracy.

"We focused on parliamentary issues between both countries and exchanged
views on how to improve the role of Parliament in strengthening democracy," Wong
told reporters after the half-an-hour meeting.

This is Mironov's first visit to Malaysia.

Wong said he believed that the relationship between Russia and Malaysia
would continue to prosper especially on matters relating to inter-parliamentary
affairs.

Meanwhile, Lower House of Parliament Deputy Speaker Ronald Kiandee Wednesday
received a courtesy visit from the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of
South Korea Moon Hee Sang also at Parliament House.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Kiandee said he welcomed Moon's suggestion
for a 'Frienship Association' to be created between the two parliaments to
further boost ties between them.

He said he would raise the matter with Parliament's administration to
explore the suggestion further.
-- BERNAMA