National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has revealed the details of his meeting with Iraq’s Charge d’Affaires to Kenya Akram Slaiman.

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Wetang’ula stated that he had hosted Slaiman at his office, during which they explored ways to further strengthen Kenya and Iraq’s parliamentary engagement as part of the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Wetang’ula further noted that during their meeting, they had proposed the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group between the two legislatures to deepen parliamentary diplomacy and promote democratic governance.

“This afternoon, I hosted the Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of Iraq to Kenya, Dr. Akram Slaiman, who paid me a courtesy call at my office. Kenya and Iraq share longstanding diplomatic relations, and during our discussions, we explored ways to further strengthen our parliamentary engagement. In this regard, we proposed the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group between our two legislatures to deepen parliamentary diplomacy and promote democratic governance,” Wetang’ula’s statement read in part.

The former Bungoma County senator went ahead to state that as Iraq continues to stabilize as the world’s fifth-largest oil producer following years of conflict, Kenya stands in support of its rebuilding journey and looks forward to enhanced economic collaboration.

Wetang’ula on cooperation sectors

Wetang’ula also noted that Slaiman had expressed Iraq’s keen interest in expanding cooperation with Kenya in key sectors such as education, security, and trade.

“As the world’s fifth-largest oil producer, Iraq presents significant opportunities for trade in petroleum-based products, particularly as the country continues to stabilize following years of conflict. Kenya stands in support of Iraq’s rebuilding journey and looks forward to enhanced economic collaboration. Dr. Slaiman expressed Iraq’s keen interest in expanding cooperation with Kenya in key sectors such as education, security, and trade,” Wetang’ula stated.

Moreover, Wetang’ula says he had underscored the importance of peace in the Middle East and its impact on global stability during their meeting, urging Iraq and its neighbours to continue fostering dialogue.

According to Wetang’ula, Kenya and Iraq will deepen their engagement and explore new areas of partnership.