Doha, June 11 (QNA) - HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim stressed the importance of strengthening Arab joint action and enhancing coordination and integration among Arab states, particularly in areas related to collective security, protection of national resources, and safeguarding development achievements, affirming that sustainable development cannot be separated from security and stability.

In a speech during the 39th session of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union held via videoconference under the theme "An Arab Parliamentary Vision for a More Stable and Sustainable Future," he referred to recent direct Iranian attacks and serious violations against Qatar and several Arab countries, stressing that such actions contradict principles of good neighborliness and constitute a violation of international law, the UN Charter, and respect for state sovereignty.

He condemned the Iranian aggression against countries in the region, warning of its impact on regional security and stability and its undermining of trust among states and peoples.

He also welcomed efforts aimed at ceasefires and de-escalation, noting that continued hostilities weaken chances for calm and undermine efforts to establish regional stability.

His Excellency stressed the rejection of any threat to international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, or their use as leverage in political disputes, highlighting their direct impact on global navigation, energy markets, and supply chains.

He also noted that attacks on energy facilities and vital infrastructure affect not only individual states but also global economic stability, making energy security a core element of collective security.

He affirmed that Qatar and other regional countries seek peace and believe in dialogue as the best means of resolving conflicts, noting that Qatar has faced direct aggression that required it to exercise its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty and security, while remaining committed to diplomatic solutions.

He added that recent developments highlight the need to reassess and further develop concepts of regional and international security to address current challenges, stressing that Gulf security is an integral part of Arab security.

He also pointed to continued Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon, calling for support for the legitimate rights of the peoples and an end to these violations.

HE the Speaker of the Sura Council further emphasized that Arab parliamentary coordination is essential to strengthening Arab presence in regional and international forums, noting the success of the emergency item submitted by Qatar and other states at the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul.

In conclusion, he called for continued coordination, consultation, and unified Arab positions to support parliamentary efforts in defending the interests and just causes of Arab peoples.

HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim had opened his speech by extending thanks and appreciation to the sisterly People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for its efforts and contributions in developing the work of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and enhancing its presence and effectiveness in regional and international parliamentary forums during its previous presidency of the Union.

He also expressed confidence in the continued support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during its current presidency, for the advancement of joint Arab parliamentary work and the strengthening of its influential role in various regional and international forums.

The conference also heard speeches from heads and representatives of Arab parliaments and councils, who discussed current Arab developments, stressing the importance of strengthening joint Arab parliamentary efforts to address various challenges.

The conference further discussed several items on its agenda, including reports from the presidency and the General Secretariat of the Union regarding its activities over the past period, recommendations of the Executive Committee on organizational, administrative, and financial matters, the draft work program and budget, as well as other items aimed at developing Arab parliamentary mechanisms and enhancing coordination and cooperation among Arab parliaments.

The conference issued a final statement praising the success of the emergency item submitted by Qatar, represented by the Shura Council, at the recent General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul.

The item addressed the urgent need to intensify parliamentary efforts to preserve ceasefire agreements and support peace in the Middle East and other regions, calling for mobilizing international parliamentary efforts to support ceasefires, strengthen peaceful solutions, protect civilians, ensure freedom of navigation and the opening of international waterways, and promote sustainable political solutions to ongoing conflicts and crises.

The participants condemned the Iranian attacks targeting several Arab countries, affirming their solidarity with the measures taken by those states to safeguard their security and stability.

The final statement reaffirmed the central importance of the Palestinian cause, noting that it represents the core of joint Arab parliamentary action, while condemning the ongoing attacks by the occupation forces on Gaza and all occupied Palestinian territories.

It also stressed the importance of strengthening joint Arab parliamentary work and developing coordination and consultation mechanisms among Arab parliaments, in order to help consolidate security and stability, support sustainable development pathways, and address the challenges facing the Arab region. (QNA)