Bahrain Parliamentarian Highlights Kingdom’s Role in Advancing Asian Cooperation

MP Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloom, Vice President of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Economic and Sustainable Development, praised the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing mechanisms of Asian cooperation.

He highlighted Bahrain’s support for the GCC-ASEAN Joint Cooperation Plan (2024–2028), the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two blocs, and efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks that foster political, economic, and cultural ties across Asia.

Speaking while chairing the committee’s meeting, hosted by Bahrain from September 14–16, Al-Salloom stressed that shared values, mutual respect, and common interests could transform challenges into opportunities and vital investments, leading to greater stability and sustainable prosperity for all.

He noted that in light of today’s global transformations, the APA must reinforce strategic partnerships, particularly in areas such as trade, economy, labor, investment, business innovation, energy, climate, and environmental issues. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the role of the private sector and chambers of commerce to build stronger partnerships that benefit member nations and their people.

The committee’s agenda included several key draft resolutions for submission to the APA, including the establishment of an Asian energy market, addressing environmental issues, financial resolutions to support economic growth, and the role of parliaments in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Al-Salloom reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation, optimizing natural and human resources, and enhancing coordination with geopolitical parliamentary groups, while respecting Asia’s cultural diversity and historical heritage.

He also expressed deep appreciation for the initiative proposed by Speaker of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, to launch a parliamentary and institutional human rights initiative. Al-Salloom stressed that this proposal will receive full attention and implementation in the coming period, noting that the initiative would create an Asian parliamentary platform for human rights, highlight Asia’s achievements in this field, and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy at international forums.