Bahrain Parliament Meets GCC Lawmakers Ahead of IPU

Bahrain’s parliamentary division held a coordination meeting with GCC legislative councils on Wednesday via video conference to discuss preparations for participation in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from April 15 to 19, 2026.

 The meeting was chaired by Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, in the presence of Abdulnabi Salman Nasser, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives.

Fakhro emphasized the importance of strengthening joint parliamentary work and enhancing Gulf coordination in international forums, highlighting the need to unify GCC parliamentary positions, particularly on issues raised in regional and global parliamentary meetings.

Participants reviewed available vacancies in IPU committees, stressing the importance of increasing GCC representation within the union’s bodies. They also underlined the need for continued coordination among Gulf parliaments to reflect unity and solidarity, especially in light of current regional challenges.

The meeting also discussed the emergency item to be presented for voting at the upcoming IPU General Assembly, with participants calling for a unified proposal representing GCC parliaments, in coordination with Arab counterparts.

In addition, discussions covered the election of the IPU Secretary-General, including a review of the five candidates for the post, with voting scheduled during the 152nd Assembly. Participants also examined nominations for the IPU presidency and ways to coordinate positions on the matter.