Manama: Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives and President of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), stated that Bahrain's hosting of the APA Executive Council meeting and the 16th Plenary Session next week underscores the Kingdom's active parliamentary diplomacy and its standing among regional and international parliamentary unions. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with Bahrain's comprehensive development process and vision to bolster the Kingdom's diplomatic role under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Speaker Al Musallam highlighted that hosting the Asian parliamentary meeting, during Bahrain's presidency of the APA, continues the Kingdom's experience in hosting Gulf, Arab, regional, and international parliamentary conferences, events, and meetings during the sixth legislative term and prior terms. This also includes its active participation in meetings of various parliamentary unions and organizations.
The Speaker noted that this Asian parliamentary gathering comes amid regional developments and challenges, necessitating increased coordination, consultation, and a unified Asian parliamentary stance to support stability, development, and prosperity throughout Asia.
He mentioned that 2026 will place significant responsibilities on Bahrain's Parliamentary Division due to its presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council legislative speakers' meeting and the APA. These responsibilities align with Bahrain's upcoming presidency in 2026 of the 46th session of the GCC, the Arab League Council at the ministerial level at the end of March 2026, and the United Nations Security Council in April 2026.
Speaker Al Musallam stated that the meeting will focus on the role of Asian parliaments in fostering dialogue among cultures and civilizations in Asia, addressing opportunities, challenges, and future pathways. He noted that the meeting coincides with the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence on January 28, adopted by the UN General Assembly following a Bahraini initiative, reflecting Bahrain's ongoing commitment to promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation.
The Speaker praised the efforts of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division, in collaboration with the APA General Secretariat, in preparing for the hosting of the meeting.
The Asian parliamentary meeting will comprise the APA Executive Council meeting and the 16th Plenary Session, scheduled from January 24 - 28, including meetings of the standing committees and the release of the final statement, the Manama Declaration.
The APA announced in February 2025 that Bahrain was elected to the presidency of the Assembly for 2026 at a meeting held in Baku, Azerbaijan.