Arab Parliamentarians Back Bahrain Maritime Proposal

The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union unanimously supported Bahrain’s call to address freedom of navigation.

The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Executive Committee has unanimously backed a Bahrain proposal to place freedom of navigation through international waterways and straits on the agenda of the upcoming 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The proposal was approved during the 43rd meeting of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Executive Committee in Cairo, attended by Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation led by MP Ahmed Abdulwahid Qarata, Second Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives.

The proposal, submitted on behalf of the Arab Group, calls for an emergency agenda item addressing the need to safeguard maritime navigation and the flow of trade through international maritime corridors and straits, while condemning armed acts targeting or disrupting them.

Qarata said the proposal reflects Bahrain’s commitment to protecting the safety and security of international maritime navigation and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of trade through key maritime routes.

He stressed the importance of respecting international laws and conventions governing maritime navigation and strengthening international cooperation to protect the security and stability of vital waterways.

Qarata also highlighted the role of parliaments in supporting international efforts to promote security and peace.

The meeting, chaired by Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al-Alsheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia, also reviewed financial and administrative matters concerning the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Discussions included a report by the Interim Financial Committee on financial auditing and oversight regulations, along with criteria for appointing an internal auditor and legal accountant.

The committee also reviewed measures to address the Union’s financial position and diversify its income sources, as well as a General Secretariat report on the Union’s financial situation for 2027.