Kenya and Venezuela have pledged to strengthen diplomatic and parliamentary relations between the two countries through the establishment of a Kenya-Venezuela Parliamentary Friendship Group.
This follows a meeting between Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula and Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Kenya Moravia Peralta Hernandez held on Thursday.
The Parliamentary Friendship Group aims to promote parliamentary diplomacy, cultural exchange, and bilateral dialogue between the two countries.
“Kenya’s Parliament is open to building meaningful ties through parliamentary diplomacy. We welcome this gesture from our friends in Venezuela as a sign of solidarity and commitment to global cooperation,” said Wetang’ula.
During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on global political developments, parliamentary structures, and shared areas of interest, including trade, tourism, education, and multilateral engagement.
Ambassador Peralta expressed her country’s readiness to broaden diplomatic ties and highlighted Venezuela’s socio-economic recovery, particularly in tourism.
“Last year alone, we recorded over two million international tourists from Russia, Berlin, Poland, and several other countries in Europe. Our cities are peaceful, and our industries are recovering. We are proud of our progress,” said the Ambassador.
The discussion also touched on Venezuela’s political context, with the Ambassador clarifying distinctions between peaceful political opposition and extremist groups, reaffirming the government’s control and commitment to national stability.
Speaker Wetang’ula, drawing from his experience in international diplomacy as a former Minister for Foreign Affairs, reflected on the enduring nature of global cooperation.
“Diplomacy doesn’t end with an appointment. It is a lifelong service to humanity. That’s why we in Kenya continue to build friendships with nations that share our vision of justice and prosperity.”
Ambassador Peralta also emphasized Venezuela’s continued support for global causes, including the rights of the Palestinian people and stronger South-South cooperation frameworks.
She expressed appreciation for Kenya’s consistent support at the United Nations and other international forums.
The Speaker confirmed Kenya’s commitment to parliamentary engagement with Latin American nations adding that bilateral visits and collaborative platforms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and United Nations forums provide valuable opportunities for shared advocacy and global dialogue.
Meanwhile, Wetang’ula bid farewell to Mahi Boumediene, the outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Kenya.
The Speaker conveyed Kenya’s deep appreciation for his exemplary service and steadfast commitment to strengthening the historic ties between the two nations.
“Ambassador Boumediene has been an instrumental figure in advancing political, economic, and cultural cooperation grounded in our shared values of Pan-Africanism and multilateral diplomacy,” said Wetang’ula.
He further reaffirmed the strategic significance of the Kenya–Algeria relationship and the mutual ambition to further expand collaboration across key sectors and the Parliament’s continued support in deepening this bilateral friendship and promoting broader continental engagement.
