Rome: Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division, met with Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic, on the sidelines of the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue held in Rome. The meeting aimed to enhance parliamentary cooperation, focusing on promoting dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and resulted in an agreement to establish a joint parliamentary friendship committee between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Italy.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Musallam emphasized Bahrain's commitment to ongoing national development and advancing international partnerships under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He highlighted the dedication to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and peaceful coexistence. The Speaker also referred to the visit of Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, to the Kingdom earlier this year, where discussions with His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa took place. Additionally, he mentioned the official visit by a Bahraini delegation to Italy, led by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, aiming to create further mutual investment opportunities.
Al Musallam explained that these high-level meetings provide a strong foundation for parliamentary cooperation and exchange of expertise, serving the advancement of sustainable development and mutual understanding. He also underlined the deep historical ties between Bahrain and Italy and the importance of building on existing cooperation, especially during global challenges. Bahrain's initiatives to promote dialogue and tolerance, such as the Bahrain Declaration and the King Hamad Global Center for Coexistence and Tolerance, were highlighted during the discussions.
The meeting also addressed developments in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian situation in Palestine. Both parties emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, delivery of aid, and support for the right of Palestinians to life and an independent state.
Lorenzo Fontana commended Bahrain's role in promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and reiterated Italy's commitment to enhancing ties with Bahrain, especially in parliamentary and legislative domains. He recognized Bahrain as a key partner in the Gulf region.
The meeting was attended by Hala Ramzi Fayez, member of the Shura Council; MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, Ali Abdulla Al Aradi, Member of the Shura Council, MP Ali Majid Al Nuaimi, MP Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed, and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Council of Representatives and Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division.