Manama: Bahrain's parliamentary division delegation, led by MP Ahmed Abdulwahid Qarata, Second Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, participated in the 43rd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), chaired by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Alsheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Executive Committee approved a proposal by the Bahrain's parliamentary division delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain to include an emergency item on the agenda of the 153rd General Assembly of the IPU, on behalf of the Arab Group. This item addresses the need to ensure freedom of maritime navigation and the flow of trade through international maritime corridors and straits, and condemns armed acts affecting them.
MP Qarata affirmed that the proposal stems from Bahrain's commitment to ensuring the security and safety of international maritime navigation and maintaining the smooth flow of trade through maritime corridors and straits, as they are major arteries of global trade and the global economy.
He emphasized that including the issue as an emergency item aims to highlight the importance of respecting relevant international laws and conventions and enhancing international cooperation to help protect maritime corridors and ensure their security and stability. He also affirmed the importance of the role played by parliaments in supporting efforts to promote international security and peace.
The meeting discussed items on the agenda, including the Interim Financial Committee's report on the regulations, rules and requirements governing financial auditing and oversight, and the terms and criteria for appointing an internal auditor and legal accountant. It also reviewed the Interim Financial Committee's observations and plan to address the Union's financial situation and diversify its sources of income, in addition to the General Secretariat's report on the financial situation of the Arab IPU in 2027.