Doha, December 14 (QNA) - The State of Qatar hosted on Sunday the 42nd session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Construction, chaired by HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi.

In her remarks, HE Al Nuaimi said it was an honor for Qatar to assume the presidency of the council's 42nd session, expressing pride in the confidence placed in the country. She affirmed Qatar's commitment to continuing joint work with fellow Arab states to strengthen cooperation, create a supportive environment for developing housing policies, and improve the quality of life in Arab cities.

HE Minister of Social Development and Family explained that Qatar's hosting of the ministerial session and its accompanying technical and dialogue activities comes within the framework of the Sixth Arab Ministerial Forum for Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, which opened Sunday in Doha under the theme, "Urban sustainability… for the future of generations."

Her Excellency extended her sincere thanks and appreciation to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, which chaired the previous session, for the effective steps taken during its tenure to support joint Arab action in the fields of housing and construction. She also commended the General Secretariat of the Arab League for its ongoing coordination and follow-up efforts.

She noted that Qatar places special emphasis on developing the urban environment and enhancing the quality of life by modernizing the housing system, improving the efficiency of basic services, and providing balanced residential communities, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places people at the heart of development.

HE Al Nuaimi said holding the session alongside the sixth ministerial forum provides an opportunity to deepen Arab dialogue on the future of housing and urban development, exchange expertise, and review experiences and practices that contribute to strengthening joint Arab action in this vital sector.

She expressed hope that the ministers' discussions and meetings would result in practical directions supporting Arab countries' efforts in housing and urban development, while keeping pace with the challenges and changes facing Arab cities.

At the outset of her speech, Her Excellency welcomed the ministers, participating delegations, and organizing and technical committees for their dedicated efforts in preparing the session, wishing the meeting success and constructive outcomes that enhance the future of housing and urban development in the Arab world.

The session discussed a range of issues related to enhancing cooperation, coordination, and dialogue among Arab countries in the housing and construction sector, exchanging expertise, and reviewing scientific and practical Arab experiences, among other topics aimed at advancing joint Arab work in this key field. (QNA)