Doha, April 21 (QNA) - The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) commended the adoption by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly, at its 152nd session held in Istanbul, of an emergency item submitted by the State of Qatar.

The Assembly adopted emergency item: "The urgent need for concerted parliamentary efforts to preserve ceasefires and support peacebuilding in the Middle East and other regions", submitted by the State of Qatar, represented by the Shura Council, and approved its inclusion on the Assembly's agenda.

HE President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union Ibrahim Boughali described the adoption of the emergency item -- for the first time in the Union’s history -- as a landmark qualitative achievement that underscores the effectiveness and unity of joint Arab efforts.

He noted that the significance of the item lies in underscoring the urgent need for coordinated parliamentary action at the international level to safeguard ceasefire agreements, particularly in light of their fragility across several conflict zones, and to advance comprehensive and just peace processes, especially in the Middle East, thereby enhancing regional and international security and stability, while reinforcing the role of parliaments in conflict prevention and addressing root causes.

He added that the constructive cooperation, which proved instrumental in mobilizing support for the adoption of the emergency item, exemplifies a robust model of multilateral parliamentary diplomacy founded on dialogue and consensus around issues of shared interest.

For his part, HE Secretary-General of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) Muhammad Qureshi Nias praised the concerted efforts of all partners, including the Islamic Group, which culminated in the adoption of the emergency item on the agenda of the 152nd IPU General Assembly, with a view to supporting ceasefire efforts and advancing peace in the Middle East and other regions.

This marks the first time an emergency item submitted by an Arab country has garnered broad support from multiple geopolitical groups and secured the required votes and an overwhelming majority for inclusion on the agenda of the IPU General Assembly, held in Istanbul from April 15 to 19 under the theme "Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations". (QNA)