Written by Hawra Al Fandi
Manama, March 12 (BNA): The 146th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) witnessed, on its second day, a general discussion on “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusive Societies: Fighting Intolerance”, hosting high-level speakers from various countries.
The discussion was moderated by the President of the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam.
The Speaker of Parliament stressed the importance of international cooperation to bring about positive change.
He stressed the importance of working to find solutions to the economic and social damage caused by the pandemic, climate change and migration.
Al-Musallam also stressed the need to promote positive participation in topics such as women and youth empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development.
The Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Adel Al-Assoumi, affirmed his full support for Bahrain through regular participation in the international forums held in the Kingdom.
The head of the Associated Press said, “Bahrain has become a leading model for coexistence between different religions and cultures, thanks to the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which led to gaining international confidence to host such events.”
Al-Assoumi expressed his pride in what the Kingdom has achieved, stressing the Parliament’s keenness to activate its ability to support Arab causes in international forums.
Many participants praised Bahrain’s model of values and tolerance.
South Korean National Assembly member Park Young-jin said his visit to the kingdom enabled him to witness a culture of mutual respect and religious and political compromise.
Although Bahrain is historically an Islamic country, it was known for its multicultural society and religious openness. He said that this model of coexistence will lead Bahrain to further development and I hope that all countries will learn from it.
During his participation in the general debate, he affirmed that extremism undermines integrity and coexistence.
“The reality we live in requires that we treat each other with respect, kindness and tolerance. We will try to spread these principles during this General Assembly and fight extremists,” Young Jin said.
The IPU Assembly and related meetings bring together representatives from parliaments from around the world to discuss issues of global importance.
The 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union is being held in Bahrain under the theme “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusive Societies: Fighting Intolerance”.
The association aims to work intensively to build peaceful, inclusive and stable societies, in which there is no place for terrorism, extremism and violence.
The IPU Assembly runs until March 15, and the 147th IPU Assembly is scheduled to be held in Angola in October.