Maritime security proposal gains focus at Asian parliamentary meeting

A Bahrain Parliamentary Division delegation participated in the consultative meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania, highlighting the Kingdom’s proposals on maritime security, freedom of navigation and international trade.

The delegation was led by Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, during the meeting held on the sidelines of the 153rd IPU Assembly and related meetings, taking place from October 5 to 9.

MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom, representing Bahrain as the country holding the APA presidency, affirmed that the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, considers peace, coexistence, dialogue and openness key to achieving a secure and prosperous future.

MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom also reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for stronger Asian cooperation across development sectors, benefiting countries and peoples across the continent.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and President of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom stressed the importance of Asian parliaments coordinating positions on issues of common interest and supporting international law, stability and cooperation.

During the meeting, Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, presented Bahrain’s proposed emergency item on ensuring freedom of navigation, maritime security and the uninterrupted flow of international trade through maritime routes and straits in accordance with international law. He called for urgent parliamentary action on the issue.

The meeting also reviewed the APA Secretary General’s report on two decades of parliamentary diplomacy in Asia, along with the Assembly’s programmes and activities for 2026.

Participants discussed the role of parliamentary diplomacy as a complement to traditional diplomacy, particularly in promoting dialogue, easing tensions, strengthening mutual understanding and contributing to international peace and stability.

The meeting adopted a unified position on the APA’s priorities in coordination with other parliamentary groups, seeking to support the inclusion of an emergency item on the agenda of the 153rd IPU Assembly.

Participants also held consultations on the nomination of Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the presidency of the IPU, with the aim of securing broad support for her re-election to a new term.