Manama: Bahrain’s parliamentary division participated in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA). The meeting was part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the 16th plenary session of the APA, which took place under the theme “The Role of Asian Parliaments in Promoting Dialogue among Civilisations and Cultures in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Pathways.”
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting reviewed fourteen draft resolutions on various issues. These included a draft resolution on measures to promote cultural diversity and protect cultural heritage in Asia, a draft resolution on Asian integration through information and communications technology, and a draft resolution on cooperation in health justice in Asia. Other draft resolutions addressed Asian parliamentarians against corruption, women parliamentarians in the APA, and the promotion of dialogue and harmony among followers of world religions.
Additional draft resolutions focused on legal and legislative cooperation in combating the smuggling of cultural materials in Asia, effective cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking in Asia, and enhancing the upbringing of children and youth towards a sustainable society in Asia. The meeting also discussed issues related to elderly communities, human development, tourism cooperation, and Asian parliamentarians supporting a more just multipolar global system that reflects cultural and civilisational diversity. A draft resolution on preserving cultural diversity and strengthening multilateral cooperation in Eurasia was also reviewed.
The APA’s main committees and meetings include the Standing Committee on Political Affairs, the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs and Sustainable Development, the Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs, the Executive Council (Bureau) meeting, and the Plenary Session.
Hosting this significant Asian parliamentary event highlights the advanced position achieved by the Kingdom of Bahrain on the regional and international parliamentary landscape. It underscores Bahrain’s central role in supporting and advancing paths of parliamentary dialogue and cooperation among Asian countries for the benefit of their peoples.