(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Deliberations of the 'Regional Forum of Parliamentarians in the Field of Science and Diplomacy' began at the State Council on Monday under the patronage of H E Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council.
The three-day forum is being organised by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) in cooperation with the State Council.
H E Dr Khalid al Saidi, secretary general, State Council, said, that Oman's participation comes within the framework of its support for the joint Islamic and Arab work, in line with the supreme concern of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for all that would serve the nation's causes and promote its prosperity.
Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Amina al Hajri, director general of ISESCO said, 'Nine Arab countries participating in this forum are Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Tunisia, Jordan, Morocco and Sudan.'
She said the forum aims to focus on strengthening regional cooperation through science diplomacy, support and develop the role of Arab Parliaments, their contributions to the development of member states and the development of Arab policies to create high quality research institutions at various levels.
It will promote the use of diplomacy to advance scientific objectives and programmes to help build linkages between countries in achieving sustainable development in the Arab region. She commended the cooperation between ISESCO and the sultanate in the fields of education, science, culture and communication.
ISESCO organised the first parliamentary forum in 2003 and since then has organised several globally, which aim to promote science, technology and innovation policies in member states to keep up with the priorities, relevant national and regional mechanisms and legislation.
ISESCO has been Unesco's main partner in organising the Inter-Parliamentary Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation in the Mediterranean region since 2015, which included scientists, parliamentarians and media personnel to share experiences related to future developments in science, technology and innovation.
Dr Amina added that the role of the parliamentary committees is very important in mobilising human and financial resources at the highest level and directing the attention of decision makers to translate the vision into reality.
The session saw several presentations. Dr Hossam Badrawi, a prominent physician and politician, president of the Badrawi Foundation for Education and Development presented a paper titled, 'Role of Arab Parliament in Politics related to Science, Technology and Innovation'.
H E Hatim Hamed Issa al Tai, State Council member presented a paper titled, 'Omani Parliamentary Diplomacy and its role in supporting regional scientific cooperation'.
Dr Yousef Avdellat from Jordon presented a paper titled, 'Role of Science, Technology and innovation in effective sustainable development'.
Dr Ali al Kutaish from Bahrain presented a paper on the Bahraini experience.
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