Cairo: MP Ahmed Abdulwahed Qarata, Second Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives and member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), took part in the 39th Executive Committee meeting of the AIPU in Cairo, Egypt.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Ibrahim Boughali, President of the AIPU, with the presence of MP Zainab Abdulameer Khalil, Deputy Head of the delegation; Dr Fatima Abduljabbar Al Kooheji, Shura Council member; and MP Hisham Abdulaziz Al Awadhi. Qarata reiterated Bahrain's firm stance under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in supporting the Palestinian cause and highlighted the necessity of a fair and enduring resolution that ensures the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Qarata praised the efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in fostering Arab unity and enhancing global security and stability. He also emphasized Bahraini parliamentary diplomacy's focus, under the leadership of Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, on developing Arab parliamentary cooperation and aligning positions in international engagements.
The meeting approved the interim financial committee report, chaired by Qarata, which examined the union's financial standing and requests from parliamentary blocs. The report underscored the importance of transparency and collective financial responsibility for the union's sustainability. Qarata highlighted that the recommendations considered the economic and political conditions of some countries while maintaining the union's financial stability and institutional status.
Additionally, Dr Saleh Ibrahim Al Ghathith was appointed as an expert on the Arab Parliamentary Excellence Award committee, acknowledging Bahrain's parliamentary expertise. The meeting also reviewed the union's bylaws, regulations for the Arab Parliamentary Excellence Award, committee membership, and proposed amendments to voting procedures at the union's general assembly.
The Bahraini delegation's participation in earlier meetings, including the interim financial committee meeting and the Gulf parliamentary councils' coordination meeting, focused on enhancing Gulf parliamentary cooperation and aligning positions in international forums.