Speaker receives IPU President; highlights Bahrain's democratic strides

Manama, Nov. 6 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, received, here today, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Duarte Pacheco. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the kingdom and IPU, which will contribute to unifying international parliamentary efforts and achieving more security and peace at the global level. Speaker Fawzia Zainal asserted that the kingdom's hosing of the 146th IPU General Assembly, the largest global parliamentary gathering, is the outcome of its advanced institutional infrastructure and widely appreciated democratic renaissance, achieved thanks to the unlimited support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. She indicated that enhancing international parliamentary cooperation and broadening integration among legislative institutions are a priority for Bahrain's National Assembly. She highlighted the fruitful cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in Bahrain, thanks to the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Speaker Fawzia Zainal lauded the remarkable role played by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in supporting the efforts of parliaments all over the world, promoting human rights and backing efforts of countries to achieve sustainable development goals. IPU President expressed his admiration for the great achievements attained by the kingdom thanks to HM the King's reforms, which has entitled Bahrain to be a role model thanks to its peaceful coexistence and democracy, in accordance with a pioneering reform project based on the Constitution and the Law, as well as the popular and parliamentary partnership. Duarte Pacheco appreciated the success of the kingdom's economy and parliamentary diplomacy, noting that Bahrain has become exemplary in building dialogue and spreading peace and harmony among countries, communities and peoples.