Algiers: HE President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) and Speaker of the Algerian National People's Assembly, Ibrahim Boughali, affirmed that the State of Qatar, under its wise leadership, continues to play a pivotal role in championing Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause. He lauded Qatar's principled and unwavering stance in supporting peoples' struggles for self-determination.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency commended the State of Qatar's efforts in defending Arab causes during remarks made on the sidelines of the 38th Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, hosted by Algeria. He stated: "I extend my greetings to the sisterly State of Qatar, its leadership and people, for their commendable and steadfast commitment to the Arab nation's issues, particularly the Palestinian cause."
HE Boughali highlighted that Qatar's Shura Council enjoys broad respect within the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, thanks to its active parliamentary diplomacy and impactful participation in both regional and international forums. He underscored the importance of continued coordination between Qatar's Shura Council and the Algerian National People's Assembly as part of the broader effort to advance unified Arab parliamentary action.
Regarding Algeria's hosting of the 38th AIPU Conference, His Excellency noted that the gathering is taking place amid a delicate regional context that demands the highest levels of coordination. He stressed that Algeria remains committed to its historic positions in support of liberation and anti-colonial struggles, standing at the forefront in defense of the Palestinian cause.
He added that the conference aims to foster dialogue and mutual understanding among Arab parliaments and to develop mechanisms for joint parliamentary efforts. He emphasized that the Palestine Committee of the Arab Parliament will play a key role in articulating unified stances on the developments in Palestine, especially in light of the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip.
Speaking on the Palestinian cause, HE Boughali reaffirmed that it remains the central issue of the Arab world. He pointed out that there is a unified Arab parliamentary stance in international forums to defend the cause and resist attempts to undermine it, including efforts to marginalize the right of return and question the legitimacy of the Palestinian people's struggle.
He noted that the Union has taken tangible steps, including a joint conference held with the Arab Parliament last February, which resulted in the adoption of a unified parliamentary action plan to support Palestine. He also referred to efforts made during the 149th and 150th sessions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to secure the passage of an emergency resolution on the Palestinian issue.
He further revealed that the AIPU is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) during the current conference in Algiers, establishing an Arab-Latin American Parliamentary Dialogue Forum. This initiative aims to foster unified international positions on shared concerns.
In response to a question about strengthening Arab political coordination amid current geopolitical challenges, His Excellency called for the development of a common parliamentary vision that promotes a deep understanding of the shared Arab destiny. He emphasized the need for unified policies on issues such as security, climate change, sustainable development, and food security.
He continued, "Arab parliaments must serve as platforms for serious dialogue and the formulation of joint policies that transcend individual efforts. There is also a need to develop unified legislation that supports the Arab common market and promotes economic integration."
Regarding the future of joint Arab economic action, HE Boughali stated that Arab parliaments can play a central role in harmonizing legislation and providing a unified legal framework to foster cooperation in fields such as economy, investment, education, and counterterrorism.
He explained that issuing unified or aligned legislation in these domains would significantly accelerate the Arab common market project. However, he stressed that this requires strong political will and effective coordination among parliamentary institutions.
HE Ibrahim Boughali concluded his remarks to QNA by emphasizing that the current phase necessitates a more dynamic role for Arab parliaments in fostering comprehensive political awareness, strengthening the bond between peoples and governments, fulfilling the aspirations of Arab citizens, and enhancing regional stability. He expressed hope for the continuation of fruitful communication among the peoples of the Arab world in pursuit of a brighter and more prosperous future.