The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) 146th Assembly on its second day featured a General Debate on “Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance,” that hosted high-level Speakers from various countries.
The debate was moderated by the 146th IPU Assembly President Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam.
The Speaker highlighted the importance of international cooperation in order to bring positive change.
He stressed the significance of working on solutions for the economic and social damage caused by the pandemic, climate change and immigration.
Al Musallam also stressed the need to enhance positive engagement on topics such as women and youth empowerment, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Arab Parliament (AP) Speaker Adel Al Asoomi stressed full support to Bahrain by participating regularly in international forums held in the Kingdom.
“Bahrain has become a pioneering model for coexistence among different religions and cultures, thanks to the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa that resulted in gaining international confidence to host such events,” the AP Speaker said.
Al Asoomi expressed his pride in the Kingdom’s achievements and stressed the parliament’s keenness to invigorate its capability to support Arab issues in international forums.
The model of values and tolerance championed by Bahrain was praised by many participants.
South Korean National Assembly Member Park Yong-jin said that his visit to the Kingdom has enabled him to witness its culture of mutual respect and compromise religiously and politically.
“Although Bahrain is an Islamic country historically, it was known for its multicultural society and religious openness. This model of coexistence will lead Bahrain to further development and I hope all countries can learn from it,” he said.
During his participation in the general debate, he emphasized that extremism undermines integrity and coexistence.
“The reality in which we live demands that we treat one another with consideration, kindness, and tolerance. We shall try to propagate these principles during this general assembly and combat extremists,” Yong-jin said.
The IPU Assembly and related meetings have brought together representatives from parliaments from around the world to discuss issues of global importance.
This 146th IPU Assembly meeting in Bahrain is held under the theme of “Promoting peaceful coexistence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance.”
The Assembly 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 will run until March 15 and it was decided that the 147th IPU Assembly will take place in Angola in October.
Source: Bahrain News Agency (BNA)