Written by Fatima Najm
Manama, March 14 (BNA): The Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Martin Chongong, said in the middle of the 146th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly and related meetings in Bahrain that he was pleased with the smoothness of the process.
The World Organization of National Parliaments brings together representatives of parliaments from around the world for deliberations on the overarching theme “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence and Inclusive Societies: Fighting Intolerance”.
In the Bahrain Assembly, which was held at the Bahrain World Expo (EWB), all the legislative bodies of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, including the Board of Directors, permanent committees and thematic committees on the human rights of parliamentarians and Middle East issues, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young Representatives.
Chunghong, the IPU’s eighth general secretary since its founding in 1889, said on Monday that the meetings had been rich and that he looked forward to the delegates to deliberate, exchange views and further stimulate parliamentary action before expected decisions are adopted.
Many parliamentarians have commended Bahrain for the impressive organization of IPU 146 and commended the extraordinary efforts that have been made to ensure its success at all levels.
Salvador Kikulo from Angola said, “What Bahrain has done is remarkable. The conditions created by the Bahraini government and the Bahraini Parliament are impressive and cover everything.”
Angola is expected to host the 147th IPU Assembly and related meetings in October.
Chongong made history twice in 2014 when he became the first African and first non-European to be elected as the IPU’s Secretary General.
With over decades of experience and knowledge of parliaments at both the national and international levels, Chungong has dedicated himself to promoting inclusive democracies around the world.