Somalia, Kenya Parliamentary Leaders Discuss Stronger Ties in Arusha

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ARUSHA: Somalia and Kenya have discussed closer parliamentary cooperation as the two neighbours seek to strengthen institutional ties and share experience between their legislatures.

Somalia’s Speaker of the House of the People, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, met Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday.

The talks focused on parliamentary cooperation, sharing legislative experience and strengthening the capacity of the two institutions.

The meeting also touched on the role of parliament in representing the interests of their respective populations, with both speakers stressing the importance of relations based on mutual respect, understanding and shared interests.

Their engagement comes against the backdrop of Somalia and Kenya’s close political, security and economic ties, with developments in either country often carrying wider implications for the Horn of Africa.

Both countries share a border and have long-standing links through trade, migration and security cooperation, while Kenya has hosted large numbers of Somali refugees and remains an important partner in regional security efforts.

For the two legislatures, closer institutional engagement could provide a channel for exchanging experience on lawmaking, parliamentary oversight and the development of legislative institutions.

The meeting took place in Arusha, where regional parliamentary and political engagements have frequently brought together officials from East African countries.

The two speakers said stronger parliamentary relations could contribute to wider cooperation between Somalia and Kenya and support efforts towards peace, stability and development in the region.