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His Excellency Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council Yousef bin Ali Al Khater praised the distinguished relations and growing partnerships that bind the State of Qatar to the countries of the African continent, based on mutual respect and convergence of interests in the economic, political, labor and other fields.In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency explained, on the occasion of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the African tour reflects His Highness’ vision of strengthening relations with countries of the continent and enhancing the presence of the State of Qatar in Africa as a reliable partner that contributes to development, peace and stability.His Excellency pointed out that Qatari-Rwandan relations have witnessed significant development over the past years, including in the fields of education, innovation and modern technologies. He stressed that the close cooperation between Doha and Kigali embodies a model of relations based on partnership and mutual interests.Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council explained that relations between the two countries are witnessing increasing growth in light of the Qatari leadership’s interest in strengthening cooperation with African countries rich in natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance economic and humanitarian cooperation.His Excellency stressed that HH the Amir's visit to Kinshasa is of particular importance as it represents a significant step towards diversifying regional partnerships and deepening cooperation with Central Africa, noting that parliamentary cooperation between the Shura Council and African parliaments constitutes an important bridge to support bilateral relations and expand the horizons of understanding and joint action on regional and international issues. 

His Excellency Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council Yousef bin Ali al-Khater praised the distinguished relations and growing partnerships that bind Qatar to the countries of the African continent, based on mutual respect and convergence of interests in the economic, political, labor and other fields.In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE al-Khater explained, on the occasion of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit to the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that the African tour reflects His Highness’ vision of strengthening relations with countries of the continent and enhancing the presence of the State of Qatar in Africa as a reliable partner that contributes to development, peace and stability.He pointed out that Qatari-Rwandan relations have witnessed significant development over the past years, including in the fields of education, innovation and modern technologies. He stressed that the close co-operation between Doha and Kigali embodies a model of relations based on partnership and mutual interests.Regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, HE Chairman of the Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Shura Council explained that relations between the two countries are witnessing increasing growth in light of the Qatari leadership’s interest in strengthening co-operation with African countries rich in natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development and enhance economic and humanitarian co-operation.He stressed that His Highness the Amir's visit to Kinshasa is of particular importance as it represents a significant step towards diversifying regional partnerships and deepening co-operation with Central Africa, noting that parliamentary co-operation between the Shura Council and African parliaments constitutes an important bridge to support bilateral relations and expand the horizons of understanding and joint action on regional and international issues.

The Shura Council held its weekly session Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, chaired by its Speaker His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem. At the outset of the session, His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed al-Mahmoud read out the session’s agenda, and the Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting.During the session, the Council reviewed a draft law on Owners’ Association, referred by the government, and decided to refer it to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for further study and to submit its report on the matter. The Council also reviewed the esteemed government’s statement concerning the proposal submitted by the Shura Council on the situation of persons with disabilities, and referred the matter to the Social Affairs, Labour, and Housing Committee for study and to submit its findings.At the conclusion of the session, His Excellency al-Ghanem briefed the Council on his participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), held last week in Islamabad, Pakistan. He noted that the conference discussed issues related to peace, security, and development, as well as the role of parliaments in supporting international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote intercultural dialogueHe also highlighted his meetings with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, and the Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco, noting that discussions focused on parliamentary relations, prospects for strengthening them, and co-ordinating positions on the topics addressed during the conference.His Excellency the Speaker additionally reviewed his participation in the 19th Meeting of Speakers of Legislative Councils of GCC States, hosted by Bahrain last Thursday. He explained that the meeting underscored the importance of enhancing Gulf parliamentary co-operation, developing mechanisms for consultation and co-ordination, and supporting the integration process among GCC states.He further referred to his remarks emphasising Gulf unity and shared destiny, noting that the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain received the GCC legislative council speakers participating in the meeting, which reaffirmed support for joint Gulf parliamentary work and the development of co-ordination mechanisms to serve the best interests of the peoples of the GCC states.

The Shura Council held its weekly session on Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, chaired by His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. At the outset of the session, HE Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud read out the session's agenda, and the Council approved the minutes of its previous meeting. During the session, the Council reviewed a draft law on Owners' Association, referred by the esteemed government, and decided to refer it to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee for further study and to submit its report on the matter. **media[382727]** The Council also reviewed the esteemed government's statement concerning the proposal submitted by the Shura Council on the situation of persons with disabilities, and referred the matter to the Social Affairs, Labor, and Housing Committee for study and to submit its findings. At the conclusion of the session, HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim briefed the Council on his participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), held last week in Islamabad, Pakistan. His Excellency noted that the conference discussed issues related to peace, security, and development, as well as the role of parliaments in supporting international efforts to resolve conflicts and promote intercultural dialogue His Excellency also highlighted his meetings with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, and the Speaker of the House of Councillors of Morocco, noting that discussions focused on parliamentary relations, prospects for strengthening them, and coordinating positions on the topics addressed during the conference. HE the Speaker additionally reviewed his participation in the 19th Meeting of Speakers of Legislative Councils of GCC States, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain last Thursday. He explained that the meeting underscored the importance of enhancing Gulf parliamentary cooperation, developing mechanisms for consultation and coordination, and supporting the integration process among GCC states. He further referred to his remarks emphasizing Gulf unity and shared destiny, noting that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain received the GCC legislative council speakers participating in the meeting, which reaffirmed support for joint Gulf parliamentary work and the development of coordination mechanisms to serve the best interests of the peoples of the GCC states.

The Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Media Affairs Committee held a meeting Sunday under the chairmanship of His Excellency Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan.The committee discussed the government's statement regarding the Council's proposal on the cultural legacy project associated with Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The committee decided to submit its report on the matter to the Shura Council.

His Excellency the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim met separately Sunday with Mauritanian ambassador Mohamed Mohamed Abdullah Bebane and French ambassador Arnaud Pescheux.**media[382327]**Discussions during the meetings addressed Qatar's relations with Mauritania and France, and ways to further develop them, particularly in the field of parliamentary co-operation.

His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region's security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples. Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, held today in the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency emphasized that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan. He stressed that the Gulf legislative councils, through their regular meetings and ongoing coordination, have proven themselves to be a powerful voice for this Gulf unity, in addition to their unwavering support for unified Gulf policies and positions on various regional and international issues. His Excellency noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world. He emphasized that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums. In his address, HE the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice. He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being. On the regional front, His Excellency stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all. He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of the brotherly Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms. In this context, His Excellency commended the honorable positions of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the fraternal solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny. HE the Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasized the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development. He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values. His Excellency began his address by expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to the House of Representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hospitality and excellent organization, wishing it success in presiding over the current session and in achieving the aspirations of the legislative councils to enhance joint Gulf cooperation. His Excellency Speaker Al Ghanim, extended thanks and appreciation to the sisterly United Arab Amirates, represented by the Federal National Council, for the remarkable efforts it made during its presidency of the previous session, and for the qualitative initiatives it achieved that contributed to strengthening Gulf parliamentary work and unifying positions in regional and international forums. At the same time, he praised the efforts of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for its diligent work in supporting the joint Gulf action and developing mechanisms of cooperation between the Council's institutions.

Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa met Wednesday with His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, speakers of the Legislative Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Yamahi. **media[381073]** The meeting took place ahead of the 19th periodic meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the GCC countries, scheduled to be held in Manama today. Discussions during the meeting dealt with ways to enhance co-operation and integration among the GCC countries in various fields, in addition to a number of issues of common interest, most notably prospects for developing joint GCC action to achieve the aspirations of the region's peoples.

The Shura Council will take part in the 19th periodic meeting of the leaders of Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, scheduled to be held today in Bahrain. **media[381069]** His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, chairs the Qatari delegation to the meeting. The meeting will address a range of parliamentary issues of common interest, including ways to strengthen co-operation among GCC legislative bodies and between these councils and the European Parliament, as well as other parliaments worldwide.

His Excellency the Shura Council Speaker, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, held separate meetings in Islamabad Monday with Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Yusuf Raza Gilani. HE the Shura Council Speaker is visiting Pakistan at the head of the Council's delegation participating in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, which begins today. The meetings focused on strengthening parliamentary co-operation between the Shura Council and the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan, with both sides discussing ways to advance shared interests. Topics on the conference agenda were also discussed.The conference centres on the theme of "Peace, Security, and Development," underscoring the role of parliaments in supporting global efforts to build a more stable and just international order. It serves as a platform for aligning perspectives, promoting dialogue and mediation in conflict resolution, and fostering co-operation in water, energy, and food security. Climate change, sustainable development, and interfaith and intercultural harmony are also key areas of focus.

The Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of the Shura Council held a meeting Tuesday, chaired by Chairman of the Committee Mohammed bin Yousef al-Mana. During the meeting, the committee hosted Assistant Undersecretary for Public Treasury Affairs Abdulrahman Fouad al-Mudhahka; Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Policies Affairs Dr Abdulrahman Mohammed Jolo; and Director of the General Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance Ahmed Mohammed al-Mohannadi. The committee concluded its discussion of the draft state general budget for the fiscal year 2026 and the draft law approving the state’s general budget. Officials from the Ministry of Finance responded to the inquiries and observations raised by committee members regarding the chapters and sectors of the draft budget. The committee resolved to submit its report on the draft state general budget for the fiscal year 2026 and the draft law approving it to the Council.

The Shura Council on Monday strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset's approval of two draft bills seeking to impose illegal sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and a settlement east of Jerusalem, describing the move as a dangerous escalation that threatens international legitimacy and peace efforts.This came during the Council's second session of the first ordinary meeting of the second legislative term — marking the 54th annual session.The sitting, held at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall under the chairmanship of HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, urged the Inter-Parliamentary Union and global parliaments to adopt a unified stance against Israel's violations. It also called for action to halt settlement expansion and reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.HE Secretary-General Nayef bin Mohammed al-Mahmoud presented the agenda, and the minutes of the previous session were approved.The Council also formed six key committees in accordance with Article (94) of Qatar's Constitution and Articles (52) and (72) of the internal regulations:Legal and Legislative Affairs CommitteeChaired by HE Khalid bin Ghanem al-Ali, the committee includes HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan al-Dosari, HE Abdullah bin Ali al-Sulaiti, HE Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan, HE Ahmad bin Ebrahim al-Malki, HE Issa bin Arar al-Rumaihi, HE Ahmed bin Sultan al-Aseeri, HE Abdulla bin Jaber al-Lebdah, and HE Salem bin Rashid al- Marri.Internal and External Affairs CommitteeHeaded by HE Yousef bin Ali al-Khater, members include HE Yousef bin Ahmad al- Medhadi, HE Mubarak bin Saeed al-Khayarin, HE Badi Bin Ali al-Badi, HE Nasser bin Salmine Alsuwaidi, HE Ali bin Shabib al-Attiya, HE Abdulla bin Ali al-Sulaiti, HE Saoud bin Jassim al-Buainain, HE Mohamed bin Mansour al- Shahwani, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Batti al-Abdulla, HE Taleb bin Mohammed al-Nabet, HE Abdulla bin Jaber al-Lebdah, and HE Dr. Muna bint Abdulrahman al-Maslamani.Economic and the Financial Affairs CommitteeChaired by HE Mohamed bin Yousef Almana, the committee includes HE Mohammed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi, HE Saad bin Ahmed al- Mesned, HE Ahmad bin Hitmi al-Hitmi, HE Nasser bin Mohammed al-Nuaimi, HE Abdullah bin Nasser al-Subaie, HE Essa bin Ahmad al- Nassr, HE Hamad bin Abdulla al-Mulla, HE Umair bin Abdullah al-Nuaimi, and HE Mohammed bin Omar al-Mannai.Health, General Services, and the Environment Committee Led by HE Abdullah bin Nasser bin Turki al- Subaie, members include HE Dr. Ahmed bin Hamad al-Mohannadi, HE Ali bin Saeed Al Howl al-Marri, HE Nasser bin Mohsin Bukshaisha, HE Dr. Hassan bin Eisa al-Fadhala, HE Mohammed bin Saoud al-Mesallam, HE Dr. Muna bint Abdulrahman al-Maslamani, HE Nasser bin Mohammed al-Nuaimi, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Batti al-Abdulla, HE Nasser bin Mutref al-Humaidii, HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kaabi, and HE Mohammed bin Omar al-Mannai.Education, Culture, Sports, and Information Committee Chaired by HE Khalid bin Ahmed al-Obaidan, members include HE Khalid bin Ghanem al-Ali, HE Abdulrahman bin Youssef al-Khulaifi, HE Saad bin Ahmed al-Mahmoud, HE Dr. Hassan bin Eisa al-Fadhala, HE Saad bin Ahmed al- Misnad, HE Mohammed bin Muftah al-Muftah, HE Ameena bint Yousuf al-Jaidah, HE Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Sada, HE Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Matar al-Kuwari, HE Issa bin Ahmed al-Nassr, and HE Hamad bin Abdullah al-Mulla.Social Affairs, Labour, and Housing CommitteeHeaded by HE Dr. Sultan bin Hassan al-Dosari, the committee includes HE Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Mansoori, HE Ahmed bin Hamad al-Mohannadi, HE Ali bin Saeed Al Howl al-Marri, HE Dr. Khalifa bin Jassim al-Kuwari, HE Nasser bin Mohsin Bukshaisha, HE Ahmed bin Ebrahim al-Malki, HE Saoud bin Jassim al-Buainain, HE Khalid bin Abas al-Emadi, HE Ameena bint Yousuf al-Jaidah, HE Yousuf bin Ahmed al-Sada, HE Nasser bin Metrif al- Hemeidi, HE Nasser bin Hassan al-Kubaisi, HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kaabi, and HE Umair bin Abdullah al-Nuaimi.The session marked a key step in launching the Council's legislative agenda for the new term, setting the foundation for its work on national policy, governance, and development priorities.