Bali, Mar. 19 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives and President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU), Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal, has stressed the need to broaden cooperation among Arab parliaments and legislative councils to boost efforts to achieve the common interests of Arab countries, noting that parliaments are essential partners to government in enhancing the progress and prosperity of Arab states and their peoples.

She asserted that defending Arab issues and interests is among the priorities of Arab parliaments, lauding the advanced level of coordination and solidarity among Arab parliaments, especially at international parliamentary gatherings.

Zainal made the statements while chairing here today the coordination meeting of the Arab Group at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held on the sidelines of 144th Assembly of the IPU and its related meetings, currently hosted by Indonesia.

IPU President, Duarte Pacheco, and members of the Bahraini parliamentary delegation attended the meeting.

AIPU President affirmed that the challenges currently faced by Arab countries, and the ongoing attempts to undermine their security, stability and unity require strengthening Arab solidarity and joint action, as well as unifying parliamentary stances.

She noted that holding the meetings of the Arab Group on a regular basis would play a pivotal role in enhancing joint Arab parliamentary work to translate the visions of the Arab leaders and peoples into the ground.