Speaker of the Parliament Delivers Historic Address at the 153rd IPU Assembly

Arusha, (SONNA) — The Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, H.E. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jama), delivered a historic address at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), officially opened in the city of Arusha, Tanzania.

In his address, which focused on issues of importance to the future of nations and strengthening cooperation among parliaments worldwide, Speaker Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur first thanked the government and people of Tanzania for hosting the assembly and for the warm welcome extended to the various delegations participating in the meeting.

The Speaker also presented Somalia's vision for building an independent, transparent, inclusive parliament that is close to the people and plays an important role in state-building, advancing democracy, and strengthening accountability.

He stated that Somalia has made progress in a democratic process in which direct elections play an important role, with direct local elections held in the capital Mogadishu as well as in the South West, Hirshabelle and Galmudug regional states, with electoral processes continuing in other areas.

Finally, the Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, H.E. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jama), noted that special priority is given to strengthening institutions, political dialogue and public participation, and that Somalia is committed to making the Parliament an institution that protects the interests of the Somali people, strengthens confidence in national institutions, and holds the government accountable — which can play a visible role in building a peaceful, developed and prosperous Somalia.

The 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), attended by leaders and representatives from parliaments around the world, this year focuses on developing good governance, parliamentary cooperation and empowering communities, through inclusive participation, trust and equal opportunities.