Manama, June 29 (BNA): The Shura Council underscored its commitment to parliamentary openness and institutional cooperation through strategic parliamentary diplomacy aimed at showcasing Bahrain’s national experience, forging international partnerships, and exchanging legislative expertise.

During the third session of the sixth legislative term, the Council participated in 55 external events, both in-person and remotely, spanning parliamentary conferences and forums around the world. These participations focused on key global topics, including sustainable development, legislative reform, finance, trade, international treaties, human rights, environment, healthcare, education, gender equality, artificial intelligence, national defence, youth, and sports.

Reflecting international recognition of Bahrain’s legislative stature, the Shura Council secured several prominent roles during this session. Bahrain assumed the presidency of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) through 2026, the chairmanship of the GCC Parliamentary Speakers' Meetings for 2025, transferred from the UAE, and was granted observer status in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

The Council also obtained full membership in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and was appointed to the Standing Committee on Cultural and Legal Affairs and Dialogue of Civilizations and Religions under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Several members retained key positions in global bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the Arab Parliament, and the Association of Senates, Shura, and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA).

In digital transformation, the Shura Council achieved regional and global distinction, ranking first in the Arab world and 13th globally in the 2024 Global e-Parliament Report, published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, among 115 legislative chambers in 86 countries.

Karima Mohammed Al Abbasi, Secretary General of the Shura Council, received the Arab Parliamentary Union’s Parliamentary Excellence Award and the Middle East Women Leaders Excellence Award, and was named a founding member of the ASSECAA General Secretaries Network.

Additionally, the General Secretariat welcomed high-level delegations from Qatar, Morocco, the UAE, and US Congressional staff, among others. These visits facilitated dialogue on Bahrain’s legislative processes, inter-authority cooperation, and support for legislative development.

Staff of the Secretariat also participated in international forums and conducted parliamentary study visits to broaden institutional knowledge and strengthen the Council’s legislative capabilities.

Z.H, S.E