Shura Speaker reaffirms Qatar's commitment to dialogue, Gulf solidarity in safeguarding regional security

His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, the Speaker of the Shura Council in Qatar, has emphasized the importance of collective Gulf security, highlighting the need for enhanced solidarity, integration, and shared efforts to counter common threats. He underlined that recent Iranian attacks on GCC nations, along with threats to their civilian and critical infrastructure, energy carriers, and maritime security, underscore the necessity for a coordinated regional response.

Al-Ghanem reaffirmed Qatar's steadfast support for Saudi Arabia in defending against Houthi attacks on its critical facilities and civilian infrastructure, stressing that such measures are integral to the security of all GCC states. He stressed the importance of protecting critical facilities, ensuring the security of waterways and freedom of maritime navigation, particularly in vital straits like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandab, and the Red Sea, given their direct implications for energy security, stability, international commerce, and economic well-being.

Qatar, led by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, believes that regional security and stability can only be achieved through a balance between upholding legitimate self-defense and engaging in sustained diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. Speaking at the 20th meeting of the Shura Councils of the GCC member states, al-Ghanem stressed the importance of operationalising parliamentary diplomacy, increasing consultations, coordinating positions, and formulating a shared vision to bolster the GCC's presence in regional and international parliamentary forums.

He called for a review and enhancement of the institutional framework governing the GCC General Secretariat's operations, urging a greater emphasis on the parliamentary dimension within the broader framework of joint Gulf action. Al-Ghanem also emphasized the importance of strengthening co-operation with Arab and Islamic legislative councils and advancing the operational mechanisms of the Arab Parliament, highlighting the significance of developing and improving these mechanisms to increase Parliament efficiency and deepen principles of governance, transparency, and accountability.

He congratulated Saudi Arabia on assuming the presidency of the Arab Parliament and reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the need for a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. The conferees reaffirmed their unity in defending their nations' security and sovereignty, condemning Iranian attacks on GCC states and the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and asserting that the security of GCC nations is indivisible, according to a statement issued at the meeting's conclusion.