𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

A section of Members of the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee, led by the Chairperson, Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut), met with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Ali Gholampour to discuss Parliamentary diplomacy between Kenya and Iran.

 During the meeting, both leaders acknowledged the long history of diplomatic relations between the two countries, dating back to the 1970s.

 The Committee Vice Chairperson, Hon. Maj Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North) highlighted this history, saying, "Kenya has a long and fruitful diplomatic history with Iran that dates back to the early 1970s."

 These sentiments were echoed by Dr. Ali Gholampour, who affirmed Iran's long-standing friendship with Kenya through the July 2023 visit by H.E President, Ebrahim Raisi to Kenya.

 He further added, "This meeting comes at the right time as my President, H.E Ebrahim Raisi is keen on strengthening diplomatic ties with Kenya."

 Hon. Koech emphasized the importance of Parliamentary diplomacy, stating that it was time to prioritize Parliamentary Diplomacy through reviving the Kenya-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group.

 The discussions also explored potential avenues for economic collaboration with Hon. Koech highlighted Kenya's trade potential through the export of products, particularly tea, to landlocked countries in Central Asia through Iran.

 "Iran is a gateway to many landlocked countries so our produce, especially tea can be supplied through Iran to these countries," he said,

 Amb. Gholampour acknowledged Kenya's role as a doorway to Africa, saying the two countries can enhance bilateral trade agreements to strengthen economic ties in the region through Kenya. He added that investors in Iran are keen on Kenya and therefore, there is potential for increased investment between our two nations.

 Hon. Koech committed to formalising the Kenya-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group and to explore further avenues for collaboration. He also expressed confidence in the future of the relationship.

  "We want to strengthen ties with our counterparts," he said.

 Present at the meeting were; Hon. Maj. Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North), Hon. Mohamed Abdikadir (Lagdera) and Mr. Kevin Thuo, Director of Middle East Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.