The Shura Council State of Qatar

The Shura Council on Friday concluded its participation in the 14th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Association (APA) and the associated meetings, hosted in the Azeri capital, Baku over the course of two days.

HE Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council headed the Council's delegation to the meetings.

The plenary session has witnessed constructive discussions on the main topic of this session, which is related to strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable development in Asia, especially with regard to supporting intra-regional trade, cooperation in combating environmental challenges, and supporting the optimal use of Asian countries' resources.

The plenary session issued the "Baku Declaration," which praised the State of Qatar's hosting of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Football Championship, stressing that it is an embodiment of support for culture, sports and youth, and noting its contribution to strengthening sports diplomacy and creating bridges of communication between the peoples of Asia.

The Declaration also expressed deep concern over the rapidly and dangerously deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the necessity of protecting civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, and of respecting the sanctity of religious places.

The participants renewed their support for Palestinian rights, most notably the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

With regard to the relations between Asian countries, Baku Declaration emphasized the importance of achieving economic convergence and interconnection between Asian countries with the aim of improving the economic and social well-being of the population, pointing to the need for cautious towards the negative effects of climate change, and emphasizing the need to follow up on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and improve their implementation, especially in priority matters.

The Declaration, also underscored parliamentary relations for developing multidimensional cooperation, stressing the need to strengthen partnership and synergy with other regional and international parliamentary mechanisms to enhance common interests and confront emerging challenges, and the need to promote peace in Asia through peaceful solutions to existing conflicts, and work to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue throughout Asia.

On the margin of the APA 14th Plenary Session, HE the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council held bilateral meetings with HE Speaker of Azeri National Assembly (Milli Majlis) Sahiba Gafarova, HE President of the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mahmadtohir Zokirzoda, HE Vice Chairperson of the Palestinian National Council, and HE Member of Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi.

The meetings discussed parliamentary cooperation relations and ways to enhance them, discussed a number of topics on the agenda of the APA, and exchanged views on them.