Before proceeding with the Order of Business, I have the honour to extend a warm welcome to the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, Mr. Guennadi Seleznev, who is accompanied by a delegation of eight Members of the State Duma in Moscow who join us in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery.
Mr. Chairman, your visit demonstrates the continuing co-operation and friendship between our two parliaments and countries. I express the confident hope it will increase that co-operation and friendship and be to our mutual benefit.