Speaker participates in remote GCC meeting

Manama, July 21 (BNA): Representatives Council Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal stressed that solidarity between the GCC countries permitted to face coronavirus (COVID-19) challenge and take the necessary precautionary measures to protect people’s life and launch economic, financial and social initiatives to provide support to all social components and set a distinguished model in good planning and management. The Representatives Council Speaker was speaking during the 13th periodic meeting of the GCC General Assemblies Chairpersons which was held remotely today. It was organised by the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates and the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Representatives Council Speaker conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his welcome of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the next GCC legislative councils’ meeting. She stressed that coronavirus pandemic is the main challenge facing the world nowadays, pointing out the effective way with which the GCC countries dealt with it and its repercussions. She also emphasised the need for more cooperation between the GCC countries to preserve achievements through more understanding and cohesion. She pointed out the role of the legislative councils in backing the efforts to serve the national interests. The Representatives Council Speaker noted that with the persistent pandemic, the next phase dictates on the GCC countries to embrace new mechanisms to rally ranks, boost social cohesion, handle challenges and maximize achievements. She also pointed out other challenges that are no less important than coronavirus due to attempts by some regional countries, mainly Iran and Turkey, to interfere in the GCC countries’ internal affairs and support the terrorist militias. She reiterated condemnation of the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ attempts to target some regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using missiles or drones. She underscored the Kingdom of Bahrain’s full support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its policies and measures to maintain its security, sovereignty and stability. The Representatives Council Speaker affirmed the importance of the Arab League’s recent statement on Libya and the denunciation of Turkey’s interference in the Libyan affairs. She underlined the importance of the initiative of Egyptian President Abdelfattah El-Sisi which called for a ceasefire in Libya and commitment to the political march. She also called to map out unconventional solutions and a forward-looking vision for the future to deal with issues like water shortage, food security, desertification, environment, climate change, unemployment and diversification of income sources. The Representatives Council Speaker congratulated the UAE on the successful launch of Hope Probe to Mars, stressing its importance in promoting space exploration.