Manama: Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the parliamentary division, participated in the remote 39th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh, President of the AIPU and Speaker of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Musallam affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, believes that the security of the Gulf and the Arab region is a shared and indivisible responsibility. He added that Bahrain continues its efforts at the regional and international levels to strengthen security and stability, promote the principles of good neighbourliness, respect state sovereignty, and reject interference in internal affairs.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Musallam reiterated Bahrain's firm rejection of Iranian interference in the internal affairs of regional states, stressing that Iranian aggression against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as the use of proxies and armed militias, pose a direct threat to their security, sovereignty and stability. The Speaker added that Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a blatant attack on international shipping lanes, energy security and regional stability. He noted that the region has long suffered from the Iranian regime's policies of escalation, exporting the revolution and undermining security, in violation of international conventions and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Al Musallam said that the repeated Iranian attacks in recent days against Bahrain and GCC countries, including the deliberate targeting of civilian and vital facilities, represent a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability, constitutes a violation of state sovereignty, breaches international law, the United Nations Charter and the principles of good neighbourliness, and contravenes United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 and Human Rights Council Resolution 38. He said Bahrain had translated its position into active and responsible diplomatic action within the United Nations Security Council. Through its presidency and membership, Bahrain, in cooperation with GCC states and several Arab countries, worked to secure unprecedented international support to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as a vital artery of the global economy. He noted that these efforts were reflected in Security Council resolutions calling for respect for international maritime law, restraint and th e rejection of actions threatening freedom of navigation.
The Speaker stressed that regional stability and sustainable development can only be achieved through cooperation and coordination, requiring a unified Arab parliamentary position based on the higher interests of Arab peoples and the principles of joint Arab action. He affirmed Bahrain's steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He said the role of Arab parliamentarians extends beyond legislation and oversight to include a moral and political responsibility to strengthen Arab solidarity and support joint Arab action in confronting threats. He added that parliaments represent the voice of the people and must speak out against any attempts to undermine the region's security and stability.
Al Musallam said Bahrain's vision for the future is based on three key pillars: moderation and dialogue as a strategic option for resolving disputes before they develop into conflicts; respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs as a fundamental principle of international relations; and sustainable development as a guarantee of societal stability and the fulfilment of Arab youth aspirations. He noted that Bahrain continues to pursue these pillars through its foreign policy and domestic initiatives. The Speaker affirmed that Bahrain will remain supportive of all collective Arab efforts that strengthen security and stability, safeguard the Kingdom's resources and open broader prospects for cooperation and development. He added that the Shura Council and Council of Representatives stand ready to work with their counterparts in the AIPU to translate this vision into practical steps that serve Arab peoples.