Bahrain set to host largest gathering of parliamentarians

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Bahrain is all set to host one of the greatest gatherings in the world history of democracy as the 146th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will be held in March 2023. A press conference in this regard was held at the Parliament House, which was attended by House of Representatives Speaker Fawzia Zainal and Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh.

Speaking to journalists, Ms Zainal said the IPU’s decision to select the Kingdom as a host for the prestigious parliamentary event is evidence of the confidence the Kingdom enjoys within the Union.

“This achievement would not have been attained without the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister along with national media institutions who have contributed towards highlighting the democratic achievements of the Kingdom under the great leadership of His Majesty.”

Ms Zainal confirmed that the readiness of the Kingdom was praised and appreciated by the officials of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, who visited the Kingdom during the past months. “This global event reflects the relationship between nations created by cooperation and partnership. Between nations created by cooperation and partnership.

“The Kingdom’s active parliamentary diplomatic journey is led by the House of Representative members and Shura Council members, who are present in the committees of the union, highlighting the Kingdom’s international standing and successful parliamentary diplomacy.”

For his part, Mr Al Saleh said the opportunity to host the 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in March next year is a testimony from the largest democratic and parliamentary organisation in the world that the Kingdom is a democratic country with values and the principles of human rights, coexistence and tolerance.

He noted that the approval from the ruling council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union reinforces the reform project of His Majesty the King and confirms that the Kingdom has fulfilled all the conditions and requirements to host the meetings of the Union.

He pointed out that Bahraini parliamentary diplomacy has had an impact and presence, and is in line with the governmental efforts headed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, hailing the role of Foreign Affairs Ministry and other ministries in enhancing Bahraini diplomacy.

“The presence of over 2,000 parliamentarians and international observers in the Kingdom constitutes an opportunity to showcase the Kingdom’s values of tolerance and coexistence apart from providing a platform for all countries in the world to know the Kingdom and its people.”

The press conference was attended by members of the Shura Council and House of Representatives, permanent members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, members of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division, Counsellor Osama Al Asfour, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, and a number of employees of the two general secretariats.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Ms Zainal said lawmakers from over 150 countries are expected to attend the event. “Although we are expecting representatives from 178 member parliaments of the Union, it could vary according to the Covid situation in the future. However, representatives from over 150 countries are definitely going to attend this greatest gathering of democracy.”

The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. It began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, and has since grown into a truly global organisation of national parliaments. Today, the organisation’s membership inches ever closer to being universal, with 178 member parliaments, 14 associate members and increasing numbers of parliamentarians from all over the world.

The organisation’s slogan is “For democracy. For everyone.” Its vision is “We want a world where every voice counts, where democracy and parliaments are at the service of the people for peace and development.”

And the mission is “The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. We promote democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people.

We work for peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action.”