PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release Official Visit of Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia, Mrs Valentina Matvienko to Singapore, 16 to 17 March 2016 Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia, Mrs Valentina Matvienko made an Official Visit to Singapore from 16 to 17 March 2015 at the invitation of Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob. Mrs Matvienko was accompanied by a delegation comprising Council Members and government officials. Mrs Matvienko called on Speaker Halimah Yacob at the Parliament House this morning. Speaker Halimah Yacob and Mrs Matvienko reaffirmed the warm inter- parliamentary relations between Singapore and Russia. They agreed that there are potential for greater cooperation between both countries beyond the traditional sectors of trade and investment. Speaker Halimah Yacob and Mrs Matvienko looked forward to further cooperation between Singapore and Russia such as culture, education, governance, labour and healthcare. Later in the afternoon, Speaker Halimah Yacob also hosted lunch for Mrs Matvienko and her delegation. As part of the official visit, Mrs Matvienko called on President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana yesterday. While in Singapore, Mrs Matvienko also visited the National Gallery Singapore and Gardens by the Bay. Office of the Clerk of Parliament 17 March 2016 Mrs Valentina Matvienko signing the Visitor Book at Parliament House (Photo Credit: Parliament of Singapore) Mdm Speaker with Mrs Valentina Matvienko at the Courtesy Call on Mdm Speaker (Photo Credit: Parliament of Singapore) Group Photo of Russian Parliamentarians with Singapore Parliamentarians (Photo Credit: Parliament of Singapore) .