The Shura Council State of Qatar

HE Speaker of the Shura Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said the 140th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) which was held in Qatar between April 6th to 10th, is a prominent turning point in the history of the union, as the largest number of delegations and heads of parliaments participated in it and contributed to its success, in addition it witnessed great discussed that will have a positive impact on the union's path.

During the IPU's 130th anniversary, HE the Shura Council Speaker said HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended and honored the opening session of the 140th IPU General Assembly and gave a meaningful speech. His Excellency reiterated it was the highlight of the event, where HH the Amir stressed his interest and support to democracy, respecting human rights and working on achieving security and peace around the world. In addition to developing the State of Qatar, making its people happy, assisting in fighting and combatting poverty, deprivations and terrorism worldwide.

HE Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said the Shura Council is adamant that the 140th IPU General Assembly held in Doha is a turning point for fruitful, serious and constructive cooperation between the council, IPU and all member parliaments. This is to promote global cooperation and to contribute to international peace and security, which are essential prerequisites for progress, development, the fight against poverty and underdevelopment, the spread and universalization of education and the provision of health and social care for all.

His Excellency added that in the meeting held today, is a chance to exchange ideas and share ideas on the development of the union and to promote its activities and initiative to strengthen democracy and respect for the political and social rights of people. In addition to support the rule of law and to contribute effectively to the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts away from the use or threat of force or to take unilateral hostile action without legal basis or authorization from the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations such as the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar. His Excellency also thanked the attendees for understanding the State of Qatar's stance and for refusing the blockade.

To conclude, HE the Shura Council Speaker thanked HE IPU President Gabriela Cuevas Barron, HE IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, the Secretariat General for their efforts in developing the work of the union and to follow up on the implementation of its decisions. His Excellency expressed aspiration to enhance cooperation, consultation and coordination with them in the service of the union's objectives, peace and sustainable development.

HE Al Mahmoud began his speech by expressing great content for this meeting today at the IPU headquarters in Geneva, house of parliamentarians, to celebrate the 130th anniversary IPU, which was founded in 1889 by the idea of parliamentarians from UK and France.

The ceremony was attended by HE IPU President, HE Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko, HE President of the National Assembly of Serbia Maja Gojkovic and HE IPU Secretary General.