The Speaker of Qatar’s Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, emphasized the importance of dialogue and negotiation as the primary means to resolve regional disputes and maintain stability. Speaking at the 20th session of the Conference of the Union of Councils of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, al-Ghanem highlighted Qatar’s ongoing commitment to diplomacy under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Al-Ghanem noted that Qatar continues to pursue dialogue-based solutions that respect national sovereignty, good neighborly relations, and international law. He cited recent diplomatic progress, including a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. These developments were facilitated, in part, by mediation efforts from Qatar and Pakistan, which al-Ghanem described as opening avenues for de-escalation, enhanced security, and broader regional cooperation.

Despite challenges Qatar has faced, including acts of aggression, al-Ghanem reaffirmed the country’s steadfast dedication to diplomacy and regional stability. He expressed hope for a new era marked by the uninterrupted flow of trade and navigation and strengthened security, aligning with the aspirations of regional peoples for development and prosperity.

The Shura Council Speaker also underscored the significance of the conference as a platform for fostering cooperation among Islamic councils and parliaments. He praised the Union of Councils of the OIC for its role in enhancing joint parliamentary efforts, coordinating member states, and amplifying their presence in international parliamentary forums. Al-Ghanem stressed that cooperation and the rejection of division and discord provide the most effective path to achieving shared objectives and called on participants to disregard divisive rhetoric that seeks to undermine Islamic unity.

Addressing the Palestinian issue, he reaffirmed its status as the foremost concern for the Islamic world until Palestinians secure their legitimate rights, particularly the establishment of an independent state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He condemned ongoing Israeli military actions in Palestinian territories and violations affecting Lebanon and Syria, reiterating Qatar’s solidarity with those affected.

In closing, al-Ghanem expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its hospitality and organization of the conference. He expressed hope that the discussions would enhance cooperation among member councils and parliaments, support unified positions, and advance the interests of the Islamic community.