Cameron Ross (second from left) with the Russian parliamentarians.
Key figures from Russian politics visited Dundee last month as part of an exchange project, initiated by the department of politics, aimed at developing Russia's parliamentary democracy.
The unique programme brought five representatives from the Russian State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) and the Tver Regional Assembly to the city to explore how local politicians work in their constituencies. The delegation also visited the City Council to learn about how its local elections are run.
The visit was funded by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy following an application from Cameron Ross of the politics department. The delegation also visited Westminster and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Cameron said, "The exchange aims to promote the broadening and deepening of democracy in Russia and develop cultural, economic and friendship ties between MSPs and MPs and members of the Russian Parliament, Moscow City Duma and the Tver Regional Assembly.
"At a time when voter apathy is strong in Britain, we also wish to discuss the practical ways in which parliaments in both countries can more effectively reach out and engage with their citizens and increase electoral turnout at national and local levels."
British participants in the exchange will visit Russia in May/June next year.