Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah speaking during the 39th session of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union held via videoconference.
Doha, Qatar: Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim stressed the importance of strengthening Arab joint action and enhancing coordination and integration among Arab states, particularly in areas related to collective security, protection of national resources, and safeguarding development achievements, affirming that sustainable development cannot be separated from security and stability.
In a speech during the 39th session of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union held via videoconference under the theme “An Arab Parliamentary Vision for a More Stable and Sustainable Future,” he referred to recent direct Iranian attacks and serious violations against Qatar and several Arab countries, stressing that such actions contradict principles of good neighbourliness and constitute a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and respect for state sovereignty.
He condemned the Iranian aggression against countries in the region, warning of its impact on regional security and stability and its undermining of trust among states and peoples.
He also welcomed efforts aimed at ceasefires and de-escalation, noting that continued hostilities weaken chances for calm and undermine efforts to establish regional stability.
His Excellency stressed the rejection of any threat to international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, or their use as leverage in political disputes, highlighting their direct impact on global navigation, energy markets, and supply chains.
He also noted that attacks on energy facilities and vital infrastructure affect not only individual states but also global economic stability, making energy security a core element of collective security.
He affirmed that Qatar and other regional countries seek peace and believe in dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts, noting that Qatar has faced direct aggression that required it to exercise its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty and security, while remaining committed to diplomatic solutions.
He added that recent developments highlight the need to reassess and further develop concepts of regional and international security to address current challenges, stressing that Gulf security is an integral part of Arab security.
He also pointed to continued Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, calling for support for the legitimate rights of the peoples and an end to these violations.
Speaker of the Sura Council further emphasized that Arab parliamentary coordination is essential to strengthening Arab presence in regional and international forums, noting the success of the emergency item submitted by Qatar and other states at the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul.
In conclusion, he called for continued coordination, consultation, and unified Arab positions to support parliamentary efforts in defending the interests and just causes of Arab peoples.
Al Ghanim also expressed confidence in the continued support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during its current presidency, for the advancement of joint Arab parliamentary work and the strengthening of its influential role in various regional and international forums.
