Arab Parliament President Arrives in South Africa for Pan-African Parliament Session
Adel bin Abdul Rahman Al Asoomi, the Speaker and President of the Arab Parliament البرلمان العربي, has arrived in South Africa in anticipation of the opening of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) on Monday, where he will serve as the Guest Speaker. His visit is a testament to the growing rapport between the legislative bodies of the جامعة الدول العربية — League of Arab States and the African Union.
The Pan-African Parliament, headquartered in Midrand, South Africa, is set to host its first plenary session since July 2023. This session will address issues of substantial interest to the Arab Parliament, especially on peace and security in Africa, including deliberations on the African Union’s Common Position on UN Security Council reforms. The agenda also includes consultations on the zero draft of the revised OAU Convention for the elimination of mercenaries in Africa. Additionally, the session will feature an update from the Government of South Africa regarding the court case it has filed against Israel.
Al Asoomi, a seasoned Bahraini politician, has been a member of Bahrain’s Council of Representatives, the lower house of the national parliament, since 2006. He was elected Speaker and President of the Arab Parliament in 2020 and was re-elected for a new two-year term on October 1, 2022, a term that is set to conclude this year.
About the Arab Parliament
The Arab Parliament, established in 2005, is the legislative and supervisory arm of the Arab League. Its creation was part of a broader movement toward democracy and international pressure for political reform within the Arab region. Initially functioning as a provisional parliament, it gained permanent status in 2012 after the Council of the League adopted its statutes.
Based in Cairo, Egypt, the Arab Parliament meets twice a year for sessions in March and September, each lasting two months. It comprises four main committees: Foreign, Political, and Security Affairs; Economic and Financial Affairs; Legislative, Legal, and Human Rights Affairs; and Social, Cultural, Gender, and Youth Affairs. These committees are supported by the General Secretariat, which provides technical expertise.
The Arab Parliament is unique within the Arab League’s framework due to its voting system. Unlike other Arab League organs, which operate on state or regime votes, the Arab Parliament uses individual member votes, enhancing its role as a forum for dialogue and decision-making. Its members, 88 in total, are nominated by the national parliaments of the 22 Arab League States, representing the Arab nation as a whole rather than individual governments.
The relationship between the Arab Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament has been marked by significant events, including the visit of PAP President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira to Cairo on February 11, 2023, for the 5th Congress of Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments. This visit highlighted the commitment to strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
Al Asoomi’s participation as a guest speaker at the PAP session is expected to further solidify this cooperation, fostering dialogue on mutual interests and promoting regional stability and development. The collaborative efforts between the Arab and African parliaments aim to address pressing issues such as security, economic development, and human rights, contributing to the broader goals of both regions.
The Pan-African Parliament ready to receive African Parliamentarians, Organs, media, the general public, Member States, and partners for the opening ceremony of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament tomorrow (Monday).
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