Arusha:The Bahrain Parliamentary Division, led by Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, participated in the consultative meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania. This meeting was part of the 153rd IPU Assembly events held from October 5 to 9.
According to Bahrain News Agency, MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom, representing Bahrain, emphasized the country's commitment to peace, coexistence, dialogue, and openness under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Al Salloom highlighted Bahrain’s support for Asian cooperation across various development sectors, citing the positive impact of organizing the 2026 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia as an example.
In a speech on behalf of Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and APA President, Al Salloom stressed the need for Asian parliaments to coordinate on issues affecting shared interests, while respecting international law to enhance stability and cooperation.
Fakhro presented Bahrain's proposal for an emergency item focusing on ensuring freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the flow of international trade, advocating for urgent parliamentary action.
The meeting reviewed a report by the APA Secretary General on two decades of parliamentary diplomacy in Asia and discussed the Assembly's programs planned for 2026. It also deliberated on parliamentary diplomacy's role in promoting dialogue, easing tensions, and supporting international peace.
Additionally, the meeting adopted a unified position on APA priorities, aiming to include an emergency item in the 153rd IPU Assembly agenda. Discussions were also held to support Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, in her candidacy for IPU presidency.