The Shura Council, represented by its Chairman Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, presided over the 2025 Extraordinary Conference of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The conference brought together a wide participation of heads and members of Arab parliaments and councils, in addition to senior officials, diplomats, and representatives of regional and international parliamentary organizations.

The conference discussed the latest political and security developments in the Arab region, with a particular focus on the Palestinian issue and the situation in Gaza, especially following the recent ceasefire agreement. Discussions also addressed practical steps for the post-war phase, including the reconstruction of Gaza and the coordination of Arab and international efforts to support the Palestinian people. The conference further discussed the recent attack on the State of Qatar, affirming the importance of Arab solidarity in the face of any violations of the sovereignty of Arab nations.
In his opening address, Khalid Hilal Al Maawali emphasized that the conference convenes at a critical juncture marked by intertwined political, economic, and security challenges affecting the region’s stability. He called for overcoming differences and strengthening Arab unity, noting that “the security of any Arab nation is an integral part of the collective security of the Arab world, and our unity is the key to restoring our standing among nations.”
He further stated that the convening of the conference in Geneva — a city symbolizing dialogue and peace — carries profound meaning, reflecting the Arab parliaments’ commitment to working toward a just and comprehensive peace. He stressed that “peace agreements are not merely political commitments, but a human and moral responsibility that embodies the aspirations of Arab peoples for security and development.”
Al Maawali called for intensified parliamentary efforts to support international mediation, contribute to the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas, and build genuine developmental partnerships that promote regional stability.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted an extensive final communiqué welcoming the agreement reached on Gaza and the commencement of the first phase of the ceasefire, describing it as a triumph of the will for peace and dialogue over the logic of war and violence. The conference commended the diplomatic efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar in facilitating negotiations, and praised the call made by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to hold an international conference in Cairo next November on Gaza’s reconstruction.
The communiqué underscored the responsibility of the international community to support the Palestinian people by providing urgent assistance to rebuild infrastructure and achieve comprehensive recovery. It also called for leveraging the current international momentum in support of the State of Palestine and its bid for full membership in the United Nations.
The conference condemned the recent Israeli attack on Doha, the capital of Qatar, praising Qatar’s wise and responsible response, which reflected its commitment to international law and its sovereignty. Participants further emphasized the importance of building a unified Arab stance that reflects the collective will of Arab nations in addressing challenges, strengthening the Arab world’s presence on the international stage, and enhancing the role of Arab parliaments in defending shared causes and consolidating joint efforts.
Participants affirmed that the convening of the extraordinary session of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva represents a significant milestone in the course of joint Arab parliamentary work, serving as a platform for coordination and the unification of positions on key regional developments. They expressed appreciation to the Presidency and General Secretariat of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union for their efforts in organizing the conference and to the participating delegations for their spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility.
The participants also commended the active role of the Sultanate of Oman, represented by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, in chairing the proceedings of the conference. They affirmed that the outcomes of the conference embody the Arab parliaments’ commitment to supporting the path toward a just and comprehensive peace, fostering Arab unity, and strengthening cooperation across various fields in the interest of the Arab world’s security and stability.
The conference concluded by reaffirming that continued Arab parliamentary engagement remains a cornerstone for promoting dialogue and understanding, amplifying the Arab voice in international forums, and supporting just Arab causes — foremost among them the Palestinian cause — in pursuit of peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Arab region.