Manama: HE Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region's security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples. Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, held today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency emphasized that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world. He emphasized that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums.
In his address, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice. He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being.
On the regional front, His Excellency stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all. He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms.
In this context, His Excellency commended the honorable positions of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fraternal solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny.
HE the Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasized the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development. He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values.
His Excellency began his address by expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hospitality and excellent organization, wishing it success in presiding over the current session and in achieving the aspirations of the legislative councils to enhance joint Gulf cooperation.
HE Speaker Al Ghanim extended thanks and appreciation to the sisterly United Arab Emirates, represented by the Federal National Council, for the remarkable efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session, and for the qualitative initiatives it achieved that contributed to strengthening Gulf parliamentary work and unifying positions in regional and international forums. At the same time, he praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for its diligent work in supporting the joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms of cooperation between the Council's institutions.