Tashkent: The Shura Council participated in the parliamentary meetings and sessions accompanying the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-150) held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Assembly, focused on "Parliamentary Action for Development and Social Justice," included numerous meetings, conferences, workshops, and forums addressing global issues.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Shura Council, represented by HE Yousef bin Ali Al Khater, engaged in the IPU's Standing Committee on Sustainable Development. The committee discussed topics such as the draft resolution on parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts on sustainable development. HE Al Khater emphasized Qatar's commitment to peace and sustainable development and highlighted the role of parliaments in promoting stability through dialogue and development initiatives. He called for adherence to international law and the cessation of violations against civilians.
Additionally, the Shura Council participated in the Committee on Democracy and Human Rights meeting during the IPU-150. Represented by HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan Al Dosari, the meeting covered topics including the committee's work program and women's representation in parliaments. Dr. Al Dosari stressed Qatar's appreciation for efforts to enhance freedoms and human rights, aligning with its foreign policy focused on peace, security, and conflict resolution. He highlighted Qatar's successful mediation efforts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and Syria, aiming to alleviate civilian suffering and support just solutions.
The Shura Council was also involved in the fourth conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network (NAM PN), held alongside the 153rd Assembly of the IPU. HE Eng. Ahmad bin Hitmi Al Hitmi represented the Council, discussing international peace, sustainable development, and global challenges. He praised the movement's principles and Qatar's commitment to cooperation among member states. Al Hitmi reiterated Qatar's support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Tashkent Declaration, issued at the conference's conclusion, commemorated the Bandung Conference's 70th anniversary and reaffirmed the Non-Aligned Movement's principles. It called for increased solidarity among member states to tackle challenges like climate change and pandemics, advocating for solutions to the Palestinian issue and ending the Israeli occupation.
Separately, HE Eng. Al Hitmi participated in the IPU's Standing Committee on Peace and International Security meeting, discussing the role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. The Shura Council's General Secretariat, represented by HE Secretary-General Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mohammed, engaged in the Association of Secretaries-General of National Parliaments meeting, focusing on enhancing secretariats' work in parliaments and legislative councils.