Manama, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, commended the role of parliamentary diplomacy as an active partner in supporting regional and international peace, and in consolidating sustainable human rights and development achievements.
The Foreign Minister expressed pride in the accomplishments of both chambers of the parliament, the Shura Council and the Representatives Council.
Since the launch of the comprehensive development process over two decades ago under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Parliament has significantly contributed to Bahrain’s status as a model of democratic progress and respect for civil and political rights, he said.
It has also fostered values of tolerance, dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence in regional and international diplomatic forums, he added.
The minister’s statement came on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, which is ma
rked this year under the theme “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for Peace and Understanding.’.
The Foreign Minister highlighted Bahrain’s modern legislative system, which has enhanced respect for rights and freedoms within a developed democratic society through constructive cooperation between the legislative and executive branches.
Key initiatives include the application of the Alternative Sanctions and Measures Law, the Open Prisons Programme, the Child Justice Law and protection against abuse, and other laws supporting women’s rights, social security, and combating human trafficking.
This is in addition to supporting the independence of the National Institution for Human Rights, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Prisoners and Detainees Rights Commission (PDRC), and the Special Investigation Unit, as well as civil society.
The Foreign Minister expressed pride in Bahrain’s active presence in various political and parliamentary forums under the leadership.
He noted Bahrain’s pivotal role in promoting
peace and sustainable development through its success in organising and presiding over the 33rd Arab Summit, its initiatives to hold an international peace conference in the Middle East, and provision of educational and healthcare services to those affected by conflicts in the region.
Bahrain also excelled in hosting the 146th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in March 2023, focusing on “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusive Societies: Fighting Intolerance,” in line with the royal call for an international convention to criminalise hate speech.
In the same context, the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence continues to promote noble humanitarian values and principles of dialogue and understanding among civilisations and religions.
The Minister underscored the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment, alongside Bahrain’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad, to strengthening the role of parliamentary diplomacy in building bridges for peace, understanding, friendshi
p, and human fraternity.
This is achieved through constructive communication with the parliaments of countries, exchange visits with parliamentary groups, and partnerships with parliamentary unions and regional and international organisations.
These efforts serve Bahrain’s developmental and strategic interests and enhance its leading role regionally and internationally in promoting values of tolerance, peace, openness, and support for sustainable development.
The Minister affirmed Bahrain’s pride in its democratic and civilised approach based on justice and respect for human rights within the framework of a state of law and institutions.
He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to its diplomatic principles in reinforcing international security and peace, inter-civilisational dialogue, and humanitarian solidarity within safe, prosperous, and sustainable societies through the partnership between the legislative and executive branches, in accordance with the Government Plan and the National Human Rights Plan.
So
urce: Bahrain News Agency