Manama: Karima Mohamed Al Abbasi, Secretary General of the Shura Council, welcomed Dr. Ahmed bin Alawi bin Hafeedh Baaboud, Secretary General of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), during his attendance at the 16th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) hosted by the Kingdom.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Abbasi underscored the significance of enhancing collaboration and coordination with parliaments and parliamentary unions both regionally and internationally to bolster Bahrain’s parliamentary diplomacy. She pointed out that this strategy mirrors the legislative authority’s high responsibility under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the oversight of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Al Abbasi noted that the visit presents a pivotal opportunity to advance joint work frameworks and improve communication and coordination channels among the secretariats of Arab parliaments. This effort aims to serve shared parliamentary interests and elevate the performance of Arab parliamentary work, highlighting the role of the AIPU in consolidating Arab parliamentary efforts.
She further mentioned that the Shura Council Secretariat operates under the guidance of Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, focusing on enhancing parliamentary efficiency, building effective partnerships with legislative organisations, and boosting coordination with parliamentary institutions. The Secretariat also leverages administrative and technical capabilities to support members’ participation in regional and international parliaments and unions.
In response, Baaboud commended the advanced administrative and technical organisation of the Shura Council Secretariat, stating that Bahrain exemplifies a model for developing institutional support for the legislative authority. He praised the Shura Council’s proactive role in supporting Arab parliamentary work and its efforts to foster cooperation and exchange expertise among Arab parliaments, aiming to improve joint parliamentary performance and address issues of Arab interest.