Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim addressing the 20th regular meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states convened via videoconference.
Doha, Qatar: Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has underscored that Gulf security is a collective responsibility requiring stronger solidarity, deeper integration, and combined efforts to fend off shared threats, as Iranian attacks on GCC nations and threats targeting their civilian and critical infrastructure, energy carriers, and maritime security highlight the need for a coordinated regional response.
In a related context, Al Ghanim reaffirmed that the State of Qatar stands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in fending off Houthi attacks targeting its critical facilities and civilian infrastructure, which threaten the security and stability of the region. He reaffirmed Qatar’s support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its security and sovereignty, stressing that such measures are part and parcel of the security of all GCC states.
Al Ghanim stressed the importance of protecting critical facilities and ensuring the security of waterways and freedom of maritime navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab Al Mandab, and the Red Sea, given the direct implications for energy security and the stability of its supplies, as well as the international economy and commerce.
The Speaker said the State of Qatar, led by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, believes in the axiom that the security and stability of countries in the region require combining adherence to the legitimate right to defend sovereignty and interests with sustained diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, while prioritising the language of dialogue and peaceful solutions.
The Speaker made the remarks at the 20th regular meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, convened via videoconference yesterday with the participation of GCC Secretary-General H E Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
On Gulf parliamentary cooperation, the Speaker underscored the importance of operationalizing the role of parliamentary diplomacy, ramping up consultations, coordinating positions, and formulating a shared vision that would strengthen the GCC’s presence at regional and international parliamentary forums.
He also called for a review and development of the institutional framework governing the GCC General Secretariat’s operations, urging that the parliamentary dimension be accorded greater priority within the broader framework of joint Gulf action.
Such efforts, he said, would strengthen coordination among legislative councils and ensure follow-up on the implementation of initiatives and recommendations issued at their meetings.
It is quite imperative to boost cooperation with Arab and Islamic legislative councils, as well as develop and overhaul the operational mechanisms of the Arab Parliament, the Speaker noted, explaining that this would significantly augment the Parliament’s efficiency and deepen the principles of governance, transparency, and accountability.
In this connection, he extended his congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its assumption of the presidency of the Arab Parliament.
In addition, the Speaker reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of ending the anguish of the Palestinian people and halting Israeli crimes against them, culminating in a fair and comprehensive solution that ensures their legitimate rights, foremost among which is the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Al Ghanim extended his thanks and gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting this meeting, to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its efforts throughout its chairmanship of the previous session, and to the GCC General Secretariat for its efforts in backing joint Gulf action.
