Deputies of the Moscow City Duma discussed with their colleagues from Kazakhstan the issues of inter-parliamentary cooperation. Contacts between the parliaments of Moscow and Astana allow the exchange of advanced solutions in the field of urban economy, transport, medicine, social security.

“We have a deep respect and interest in the ancient history and culture of Kazakhstan. The peoples of our countries live near each other, bordering each other – this is a very important factor and an incentive for the constant development of long-term bilateral relations.

I should also note that more than 2,300,000 children live in Moscow. Supporting families is a whole ecosystem of measures at all stages of a child’s life. The city provides many benefits for low-income families and families with disabled children. Expenditures on payments to families with children in Moscow amount to 89.5 billion roubles a year. About 500,000 families receive them,” explained Aleksey Shaposhnikov, Chairman of the Moscow City Duma and editor of the bill.

He reminded that the Russian capital has created all opportunities for sports – only last year 23 large sports facilities were put into operation. The number of educational institutions is growing in the city: over 600 schools and kindergartens have been built over 13 years. The system of additional education is developed, modern cultural and leisure centres are being built in the city.

Chairman of the maslikhat (parliament) of Astana city Yerlan Kanalimov emphasised that holding Astana Days in Moscow contributes to further deepening and development of bilateral cooperation.

“Moscow and Astana have been twin cities since 2000, next year will mark 25 years since the signing of the relevant agreement. The experience of the Moscow City Duma is important to us, especially with regard to the management of a megacity with a population of more than 15 million people, its budget policy, in the context of lawmaking. We would also like to study how the programmes of urban environment improvement, support and development of IT sphere and introduction of digital services into the system of urban economy are implemented in Moscow,” he said.

The head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow welcomed the members of the Kazakh delegation.

“There is a very good practice of co-operation between Moscow and Astana. We co-operate in urban planning, culture, preservation of cultural heritage, development of creative industries.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to invite my colleagues to take part in the International Municipal Forum of BRICS countries, which will be held on 27-28 August within the framework of cooperation with BRICS countries and partners of the city of Moscow. 30 countries have already confirmed their participation and we expect another 20 countries to send their delegations,” he said.

Photo:
iStock