Russia’s legislative branch in recent months has become more active in international issues and parliamentary diplomacy, especially in the Middle East. Although the parliament does not play a direct role in forming and implementing Russian foreign policy, which is the prerogative of the president and the Foreign Ministry, it can still assist in this sphere.

When Russia’s Foreign Ministry is hesitant to discuss sensitive issues with other countries, parliamentary diplomacy serves as a convenient intermediary. Parliamentary delegations convey certain positions, discuss offers and counterproposals, and in general are an effective communications tool between countries.

Lately, both chambers of the Russian parliament have become more persistent in such endeavors in the Middle East. This seems natural, as Russia is becoming increasingly involved in the region and there’s a growing understanding that it’s impossible to settle regional issues without Moscow’s involvement. Thus, in addition to its military presence in Syria and diplomatic efforts in the region, Moscow is now testing parliamentary diplomacy as an additional tool of effective communication with its Middle Eastern counterparts.

During the past six months, Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of parliament’s upper chamber, the Federation Council, visited three Arab states — Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates — and Iran. Her most recent visit to Saudi Arabia came after the April 4 chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, and the subsequent US airstrike April 7 on Syria’s Shayrat air base.