MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russia values cooperation with South Africa within the BRICS format, which plays a serious role in defining the global agenda despite the escalated international situation, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said at the meeting with the Chairman of the National Council of Provinces Amos Masondo during the Russia-Africa international parliamentary conference.

"We value our cooperation within the BRICS. This year, South Africa assumed presidency of this important integrational platform, which, despite the escalated international situation, continues to play a very significant role in defining the global agenda. And today, like never before, the leadership of BRICS countries is necessary in order to develop a uniting course towards the establishment of a truly multipolar system of international relations, based on universally recognized norms of international law and key clauses of the UN Charter," the Speaker said.

She underscored that Russian lawmakers particularly apprecieate that South Africa is represented at the conference by speakers of both chambers of the parliament.

"This, of course, indicates special relations between our countries, parliamentary cooperation and out interest in further development of the international strategic partnership," Matviyenko said.