(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
QNA
Doha, Qatar: Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council H E Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti emphasised the Council's commitment to enhancing and utilising parliamentary diplomacy to expand Qatar's foreign relations, strengthen its international standing, and support its efforts in maintaining international peace and security.
In an interview with QNA on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, celebrated on June 30 every year, Her Excellency highlighted that this year's theme“Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding,” underscored the vital role of parliaments in promoting popular participation, good governance, and development efforts.
Dr. Al Sulaiti noted that celebrating this day is an acknowledgment of the importance of parliamentary institutions in shaping policies and laws that serve the interests of the people, enhancing public participation in decision-making, and educating the public on various international issues and challenges.
She added that the celebration also offered an opportunity to review the progress of parliamentary work in Qatar, showcasing the Shura Council's efforts in parliamentary diplomacy, building relationships, and strengthening cooperation with various parliamentary and international organizations.
The theme of this year's celebration highlights the critical role of parliamentary work in achieving peace, justice, and sustainable development. Dr. Al Sulaiti stressed that the theme sends a message to parliaments worldwide to build consensus, enhance international cooperation, and solidarity in facing global challenges such as terrorism, extremism, armed conflicts, climate challenges, and environmental preservation. It also emphasized the importance of involving all segments of society, including women and youth, in parliamentary work to ensure comprehensive and sustainable development.
Her Excellency explained that the Shura Council translates these goals through its active participation in international parliamentary events, supporting Arab and Islamic causes, and voicing the concerns and aspirations of Qatari citizens on the global stage. She highlighted the Council's efforts in promoting the roles of women and youth through dedicated meetings and providing everything necessary to strengthen their importance in society.
Regarding peace promotion, she noted that the Shura Council emphasizes peace-related issues, dialogue, and understanding between peoples in bilateral and multilateral meetings, as well as strengthening relationships with parliaments and parliamentary unions.
The Council plays an active and vital role in the activities and programs of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), regularly participating in international meetings and conferences, proposing initiatives to enhance international parliamentary work, and seeking to implement best parliamentary practices through experience exchange with other parliaments.
Dr. Al Sulaiti recalled Qatar's hosting of the 140th IPU Assembly in 2019, which was considered one of the most successful assemblies, receiving wide attendance and significant international attention.
She noted that the Shura Council's role is highly appreciated by the IPU and friendly parliaments, with IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson and IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong praising the Council's effective role and support for the union's activities.
Her Excellency affirmed that the Shura Council's active presence in international parliamentary initiatives reflected Qatar's dynamic diplomacy, setting a global example.
The Council supported Qatar's mediation efforts by providing parliamentary backing for government initiatives aimed at resolving disputes and building communication bridges with other parliaments to exchange experiences and best practices in mediation and peace.
She emphasised the international community's appreciation of Qatar's mediation efforts to resolve conflicts, as evidenced by positive remarks from national parliaments, regional and international parliamentary unions, and organizations.
Dr. Al Sulaiti highlighted the need for parliaments to enhance international cooperation and solidarity through adopting joint policies to prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts, as well as strengthening their oversight role to ensure governments fulfill their international commitments in human rights and sustainable development.
Her Excellency called on parliaments to press their governments to prevent human rights violations during wars and conflicts, comply with international norms and laws, and prioritise dialogue over war. - QNA
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