GCC lawmakers discuss joint cooperation at PUIC

Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation took part in a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) coordination meeting held on the sidelines of the 20th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC) conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The delegation, led by MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom, head of Bahrain’s parliamentary division, stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation among GCC parliaments to strengthen joint action and unify positions on issues of common concern.

He said regular Gulf meetings at regional and international parliamentary forums provide an important platform to enhance cooperation among GCC legislative councils and exchange views on agenda topics, reinforcing the bloc’s parliamentary presence internationally.

The meeting discussed mechanisms for selecting GCC representatives to the Executive Committee, agreeing to retain Saudi Arabia’s seat while rotating the second seat among member states based on alphabetical order. Participants also reviewed coordination procedures for nominations to standing committees and broader parliamentary bodies.

On the same sidelines, the Executive Council of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) appointed Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary-General of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives, as Acting Secretary-General of the APA Interim Secretariat.

The decision was taken during the APA Executive Council meeting in Azerbaijan, where Bahrain is currently holding the presidency of the assembly.

MP Ahmed Al Salloom said Bahrain, in its capacity as APA President, had activated relevant charter provisions to support the continuity of the organisation’s work and strengthen communication among member parliaments.

The council also commended the efforts of the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, for supporting the role of the Asian parliamentary bloc and ensuring continuity of APA operations.

Officials said the measures aim to maintain the stability of APA activities and prevent disruption to its programmes amid ongoing regional developments, while reinforcing coordination and consultation among member states.