The Shura Council took part in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), held in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, from 24 to 27 September, in response to a gracious invitation extended by the Assembly.
The Shura Council's delegation comprised Mohammed Al Owbathani and Omar Al Hosni, members of the Council. The meeting's agenda included consideration of a number of draft resolutions and issues related to social, cultural and developmental affairs across the Asian continent.
The meeting discussed a range of topics, most notably the promotion of cultural diversity and the protection of cultural heritage in Asia; Asian integration through information and communication technology; cooperation in the field of health justice; the role of Asian parliamentarians in combating corruption; enhancing women's participation in parliamentary work; and promoting dialogue and harmony among the followers of the world's religions.
The meeting also addressed matters relating to legal and legislative cooperation in combating the smuggling of cultural property; effective cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking; fostering the upbringing of gifted children and young people for a sustainable society in Asia; issues concerning the elderly and human development; tourism cooperation in Asia; support for a fairer, multipolar global order that reflects cultural and civilizational diversity; preserving cultural diversity and enhancing multilateral cooperation in Eurasia; as well as examining the situation of women in Asia and other emerging matters.
The meeting also saw an exchange of views on a number of issues of common interest, along with an affirmation of the importance of expanding areas of cooperation and coordination among parliaments, and of drawing on diverse experiences and expertise in addressing social and cultural challenges.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Shura Council's delegation also took part in a coordination meeting of the GCC Legislative Councils, to discuss a number of matters related to parliamentary work, coordination and joint cooperation among the Gulf legislative councils, exchange views on issues of common interest, and coordinate positions in international forums.
The Shura Council's participation in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly reflects the Council's parliamentary presence in regional and international parliamentary forums, and its efforts to strengthen channels of communication and coordination with Asian parliaments, and to exchange expertise and experience in social, cultural and developmental fields, in a manner that supports joint parliamentary cooperation and the discussion of issues of concern to member states