Manama: Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom, Deputy Speaker of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and Chairman of its Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development, led the committee’s meeting in Bahrain from September 14 to 16. Al Salloom praised Bahrain’s commitment to fostering Asian cooperation under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Salloom highlighted the Kingdom’s support for the 2024-2028 ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Framework of Cooperation and the endorsement of free trade negotiations between the two regions. He emphasized the importance of shared values, mutual respect, and common interests in transforming challenges into opportunities for stability and prosperity.
Al Salloom noted the global developments that necessitate the APA’s focus on enhancing strategic partnerships across various sectors, including trade, economy, labour, investment, business, innovation, energy, climate, and the environment. He stressed the importance of involving the private sector and chambers of commerce to build strong future partnerships. Regional integration and economic cooperation remain key priorities for the APA.
The Deputy Speaker mentioned that the committee will review draft resolutions on establishing an Asian energy market, addressing environmental issues, supporting economic growth through financial measures, and the role of APA parliaments in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Al Salloom reiterated the committee’s dedication to promoting Asian parliamentary cooperation and enhancing coordination with geopolitical parliamentary groups.
He expressed appreciation for the initiative proposed by Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, to launch a parliamentary project and institutional human rights initiative. This initiative aims to strengthen human rights culture across Asia and will receive full attention in the upcoming phase. Al Salloom concluded by affirming the APA’s commitment to a dedicated parliamentary platform to showcase Asia’s human rights achievements and reinforce its role in international parliamentary diplomacy.