National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula has reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting the executive forge foreign relations that will bring meaningful development to the people.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Azerbaijan Foreign Affairs Minister H.E Jeyhun Bayramov, the Speaker noted that with Kenya’s Foreign Policy now incorporating Parliamentary Diplomacy, attention should now shift towards encouraging bilateral engagements that will remove bottlenecks to growth and development.

“Parliament plays a critical role in diplomacy, I want to encourage the strengthening of relations,” said Wetang’ula.

Kenya and Azerbaijan enjoy relations spanning various sectors, including energy, investment, agriculture, tourism and climate change the Foreign Minister stating that there were more areas yet to be explored.

“We also have an affordable housing programme that seeks to provide our people with quality and official housing units. We also note that Kenya is doing the same, we have a lot of areas of common interest,” he said.

Speaker Wetang’ula and Defense Intelligence and Foreign Relations committee chairman Hon. Nelson Koech, took note of the fact that the balance of trade continued to favour Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani delegation was further to consider reviewing the existing restrictions on the entry of foreigners into their country.

“We are the only country in Africa that has opened its borders by making entry visa free, this is a significant step,” stated Wetang’ula

To further enhance the bilateral engagements, the Speaker extended an invitation to the Azerbaijani parliamentary leadership to establish a Parliamentary Friendship Group with the Kenyan Parliament, a collaboration he said would go a long way in addressing barriers that hinder the deepening of relations.

“Every treaty that comes about must go through Parliament, we are willing to work with you and champion foreign policy,” said Gilgil MP Martha Wangari who was part of the Kenyan delegation.

While Azerbaijan remains a strong advocate for climate change and environmental conservation, Speaker Wetang’ula encouraged H.E Bayramov to support Kenya’s efforts to ensure accountability from nations that are responsible for environmental degradation bear the cost of the damage.

“Our President is a champion of climate change, I hope the next Cop30 will bring members to the table and a candid discussion had because promises have been made time and again but there is no follow up on ensuring they are honoured,” The Speaker added.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 2004.