Bahrain and Iraq Strengthen Parliamentary Ties at Global Conference in Geneva
Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of Bahrain's Shura Council and head of the Kingdom's parliamentary delegation, praised the 'brotherly' relationship with Iraq, describing it as a model of constructive collaboration. He emphasized the importance of aligning parliamentary positions to support shared interests, advance development efforts, and reinforce security and stability in the region.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Bahrain's parliamentary delegation—comprising Fakhro, First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives Abdulnabi Salman, and Shura Council member Dr. Bassam Al-Benhammed—and Dr. Shakhwan Abdullah, Deputy Speaker of Iraq's Council of Representatives. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, taking place in Geneva from July 29 to 31.
The two sides discussed ways to unify Arab parliamentary stances in international forums to strengthen support for Arab causes and amplify the region's influence in global policy discussions.
The Iraqi delegation expressed appreciation for Bahrain's role in promoting peace and stability, noting its active parliamentary and diplomatic efforts to foster regional development. They also reiterated Iraq's commitment to deepening parliamentary coordination with Bahrain, reflecting the long-standing bonds between the two nations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
13 hours ago
- Gulf Insider
Netanyahu Reportedly Opted For Permanent Military Occupation
Israel's Channel 12 broadcaster is reporting that the Israeli government has made the decision to occupy the Gaza Strip on a permanent basis. Correspondent Amit Segal reports Monday, 'Senior official in Netanyahu's office: The decision has been made — we're going to occupy Gaza.' The top official has been further quoted as saying: 'If we do not act now, hostages will die of starvation and Gaza will remain under Hamas control.' But the last days have seen conflicting reports over the status and future of the ground operation, dubbed 'Gideon's Chariots'. What has become clear in the last week is that negotiations are off, as Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered an expanded ground incursion in central Gaza. With much of the Strip already decimated, and inhabitants on the verge of mass starvation, a big question has remained for Netanyahu: what's next? Hardline politicians in his own cabinet have called for the total removal of the Palestinian population, after President Trump months ago talked about turning the enclave into the 'Rivera of the Mediterranean'. Indeed a key question remains, will Trump back a plan of permanent Israeli military occupation? This would certainly open up the likelihood of eventual annexation of the territory. ⚡️ Israel decides to 'OCCUPY' Gaza — Channel 12Top official: 'If we do not act now, hostages will DIE of starvation and Gaza will remain under Hamas control'Will Trump support this? — RT (@RT_com) August 4, 2025 But without doubt, a Hamas insurgency will remain active for the time being. But the race will be on to save the remaining hostages, who have been filmed in starving and extreme conditions by their Hamas and Islamic Jihad captors. Also on Monday, US House Speaker Mike Johnson travelled to the Israeli occupation settlement of Ariel in the West Bank, declaring while there that the Palestinian territory is the 'rightful property' of the Jewish people. mike johnson, who literally shut down the house last week to block the release of the epstein files, is now praying at the western wall in a yarmulke… — Jon Miller (@MillerStream) August 3, 2025 In response, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry (PA) condemned his visit and 'inflammatory statements on the annexation of the West Bank.' It further said, 'The ministry considers this a blatant violation of international law, international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab and American efforts to stop the war, halt the cycle of violence, and achieve calm.'Also read: End Game: Netanyahu Now Plans To Annex Gaza, Bowing To Extremist Members Of Coalition
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
At Geneva Conference, Bahrain Renews Call for Two-State Solution for Palestine
Bahrain has reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and international parliamentary cooperation as a path to achieving lasting peace and justice in a world facing increasing political and humanitarian challenges. Speaking at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Jamal Mohamed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council and head of Bahrain's parliamentary delegation, said that today's complex global crises demand collective action and multilateralism. 'Constructive dialogue creates sound policies that serve mutual interests and protect nations and people from the tragedies of wars and conflicts,' Fakhro said. He emphasized the growing role of parliaments in promoting good governance, building trust between nations, and upholding international law and human rights. Fakhro also addressed the deepening humanitarian crises caused by armed conflicts, climate change, and widening development gaps. He stressed that history has repeatedly shown that 'lasting peace can only be achieved through honest and responsible dialogue based on shared values and mutual respect.' Highlighting Bahrain's commitment to peace and human dignity, he renewed the Kingdom's call for an international conference to resolve the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution. He condemned the ongoing suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza under the current blockade, and urged the global community to ensure the establishment of a sovereign, viable Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders. Fakhro urged parliaments around the world to embrace their historic role in building a culture of peace, not just as a political slogan but as a legislative and moral responsibility that ensures social and economic justice. He called on the Inter-Parliamentary Union to continue championing just causes and acting as a voice for the world's conscience. Despite global instability, he expressed hope that international institutions, led by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, could help steer the world toward peace and prosperity. 'Hope will never fade as long as parliaments stand firm on principles and give voice to the aspirations of people,' he concluded. Bahrain's delegation to the conference included Jamal Mohamed Fakhro, MP Abdulnabi Salman Ahmed, and Dr. Bassam Ismail Al-Benmahmood, a member of the Shura Council's Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security Committee.
Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
France, Saudi push two-state peace path
TDT | Manama France will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September, French Foreign Affairs Minister JeanNoël Barrot announced during a high-level international conference in New York, marking a decisive shift in European diplomacy that now aligns with Saudi Arabia's regional peace-building efforts. The move was revealed at a UN General Assembly-led plenary session on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question, where Barrot called on world leaders to join what he described as an 'irreversible momentum' toward a two-state solution. The September announcement is expected to coincide with a summit of heads of state and government during the UN General Assembly. Arab Coordination The French minister praised the coordination with Saudi Arabia, which is working with France to revive the stalled peace roadmap. He said this new collective initiative has already led to historic commitments from both the Palestinian Authority and regional Arab powers. Barrot cited a recent letter from the Palestinian Authority to President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman, where the Palestinian leadership condemned the 7 October attacks for the first time, pledged the disarmament of Hamas, promised to end payments to prisoners convicted of terrorism charges, and announced elections for 2026. 'This recognition, a major decision by France, expresses a refusal, and also contains a call,' Barrot told the assembly, urging countries that have not yet recognised Palestine to act now while the political window remains open. Two-State Revival The announcement comes amid concern that the two-state solution is slipping further out of reach. Barrot warned that the current trajectory, marked by ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, the expansion of West Bank settlements, and the political fragmentation of Palestinian territories, has placed the prospect of coexistence in mortal danger. He sharply criticised both Hamas and Israeli extremists, saying the violence and rejectionism on both sides were undermining any viable path to peace. 'The two-state solution is about to give way to perpetual confrontation,' he said, stressing that France's recognition of Palestine is meant to empower non-violent actors, isolate Hamas, and pressure Israel to abandon annexation plans. Next Steps France's top diplomat called on Arab and Muslim countries to renew normalisation efforts with Israel and help construct a regional security architecture. He also urged Israel to lift the humanitarian blockade on Gaza, cease its military operations, and resume dialogue. Barrot framed the move as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. 'Today, we have the opportunity to save a peace process. That is our responsibility before history,' he said. France's recognition will make it the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to take such a step since Russia's recognition in 1988, and could provide new diplomatic momentum in the lead-up to the UN General Assembly summit this September. So far, over 140 UN member states have recognised Palestine, but France's move carries unique weight given its position in both the EU and global security institutions. France's message, Barrot concluded, is simple. 'Refusing to give up on peace is the most powerful act of diplomacy in our time.'
