BILATERAL TIES

Kenya-Russia to enhance parliamentary diplomacy - Wetang'ula

"We discussed socio-political development issues touching the two countries," he said.

In Summary

• Kenya and Russia have had diplomatic relations since December 14, 1963, and have since maintained it.

• Russia was the first country to open an embassy in Nairobi. 

National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang'ula with Russian Ambassador to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev on November 30, 2022.
National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang'ula with Russian Ambassador to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev on November 30, 2022.
Image: MOSES WETANG'ULA

Kenya and Russia are working on establishing a Parliamentary Friendship Group for purpose of enhancing Parliamentary Diplomacy.

This came to light following a meeting between National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Russian Ambassador to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev.

"We discussed socio-political development issues touching the two countries," Wetang'ula said.

"We have agreed to put in place mechanisms to establish a Kenya-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group for purposes of enhancing Parliamentary Diplomacy."

Kenya and Russia have had diplomatic relations since December 14, 1963, and have since maintained good relations.

Russia was the first country to open an embassy in Nairobi. 

The two countries, however, viewed each other with suspicion during the Cold War period.

In a statement on his Twitter handle, Wetang'ula said he called on Russia to engage Kenya in various development sectors including tourism, transport, and technology among other sectors.

"I have invited my counterpart Speaker for the Federal Assembly of Russia to visit Kenya for further discussion on Parliamentary engagements," the speaker said.

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