The state of Qatar has reiterated its commitment to diplomacy and regional stability during high-level parliamentary meetings held in Istanbul, as part of the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
A delegation from Qatar’s Shura Council, led by His Excellency the Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, took part in coordination meetings of the Islamic and Asian parliamentary groups ahead of the formal opening of the assembly later on Wednesday.
Speaking during the sessions, HE al-Ghanem said that the countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council, particularly the State of Qatar, have consistently pursued a policy of good neighbourliness and played constructive roles in mediation and de-escalation efforts.
He added that these efforts have been particularly evident in facilitating dialogue related to tensions between Iran and Western nations, noting that “the Iranian leadership is well aware” of such roles.
Al-Ghanem stressed that Gulf states have repeatedly affirmed that their territories would not be used as a launch point for military action against Iran. He called for evidence to support claims to the contrary, particularly allegations that missiles had been launched from Gulf territories, saying the absence of proof undermines such accusations.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining unified positions within parliamentary groupings, warning that amendments to a widely supported emergency proposal-submitted by Qatar in coordination with Arab states and other geopolitical blocs-could risk undermining consensus.
The proposal, he said, is aimed at addressing current regional challenges. He expressed hope that it would receive broad backing, while cautioning that failure to adopt it could have negative consequences for the region.
The meetings also focused on enhancing coordination among member states and reviewing organisational matters related to the assembly’s agenda.
On the sidelines, al-Ghanem held talks with Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Hisham Badawi, during which both sides discussed ways to strengthen parliamentary co-operation and addressed issues of mutual interest.
