Saturday 18 / April / 2026
Muscat: Khalid Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, delivered an address during the plenary sitting of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye.
He said: “It is my honour to address this Assembly on an important matter concerning the role of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting development, keeping pace with ongoing transformations, and addressing changes that are increasingly affecting the structures of societies and national economies.
"Parliamentary diplomacy has become an effective strategic instrument in supporting development efforts through the exchange of legislative expertise and the strengthening of cooperation among councils and parliaments, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In this context, parliaments play an important role in establishing flexible legislative frameworks, particularly in light of the growing technological challenges that may disrupt patterns of work and create social and economic disparities.
"Through international parliamentary dialogue, it has become necessary to adopt common policies aimed at achieving development, peace, and stability.”
He added: “We meet today in a highly sensitive international context that may represent a critical turning point for the international system as it has been known since the end of the Second World War, particularly in the Middle East — a region that has scarcely emerged from one crisis before being drawn into another, with its security and stability affected by crises for which its states bear no responsibility.
"The world has witnessed the American-Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, followed by an expansion of the conflict affecting territories in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan.
"We may agree that this development constitutes a serious undermining of security and peace in the region and globally, as its repercussions extend beyond the directly concerned parties and affect the wider international community.
"This places the international community, of which we are a part, before a real test of its ability to safeguard global stability and uphold the principles of justice.”
Khalid Al Maawali affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman has consistently emphasised that the right of states to self-defence, in accordance with international law, is legitimate, while maintaining that diplomatic solutions remain the only viable path to addressing the root causes of crises.
He further stressed that the recent developments in the Middle East must not divert attention from the ongoing and escalating Israeli violations in the Palestinian territories, noting that the suffering of the Palestinian people represents a stain on the conscience of humanity.
Khalid Al Maawali called on the international community, represented by the IPU General Assembly, to assume its moral and legal responsibilities, exert genuine pressure to halt the bloodshed, and support international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region and worldwide.
The Chairman of the Shura Council affirmed that the implementation of the obligations set forth in the United Nations Charter requires not only legal commitment but also genuine political will, multilateral cooperation, and effective partnerships among states, international institutions, and civil society.
It also necessitates active participation in shaping a future that ensures intergenerational justice.
He also emphasised the importance of continuing to support joint humanitarian efforts and working collectively with regional and international partners to ensure that the voice of humanity is not silenced.
In this context, he expressed support for the emergency item on the Assembly’s agenda: “Rallying parliamentary efforts to support peace processes in areas of war and conflict.”
He concluded his address by underscoring the importance of achieving peace and safeguarding rights, stating: “Our collective responsibility today requires us to act in a spirit of international solidarity and with genuine commitment to build a world in which peace prevails, opportunities are equal, and rights are protected.”
This participation comes within the framework of the Shura Council’s engagement in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and its accompanying meetings, held in Istanbul,
Republic of Turkey, from 14 to 19 April 2026, under the theme: “Harnessing hope, advancing peace, and securing justice for future generations.”
On the sidelines of the Assembly, the Shura Council delegation participated in several accompanying meetings, including the coordination meeting of Gulf legislative councils, the coordination meetings of the Arab and Asian parliamentary groups, the meeting of the Union of Councils of Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the joint meeting with the presidents of geopolitical groups and standing committees, the meeting of parliaments supporting Palestine, and the meeting of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The delegation also took part in the 217th session of the IPU Governing Council, the General Assembly sessions, and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, in addition to meetings of the IPU Standing Committees: the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development; the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights; the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security; and the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs.
These meetings addressed several topics, including: “Building a fair and sustainable global economy: the role of parliaments in combating protectionism, reducing tariffs, and preventing corporate tax evasion,” and
“The role of parliaments in establishing effective mechanisms for post-conflict governance and restoring just and lasting peace.”
Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, also participated in the meetings of the Association of Secretaries General of National Parliaments.
On the margins of the participation, Khalid Al Maawali, head of the delegation, held meetings with a number of speakers and presidents of regional and international parliamentary bodies, within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations and activating parliamentary diplomacy.
These meetings addressed ways to enhance cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and their respective countries, as well as current regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest.
The meetings also reaffirmed the importance of promoting parliamentary dialogue and developing mechanisms for joint coordination among parliamentary councils.
The Shura Council delegation participating in the Assembly and its accompanying meetings was headed by the Chairman of the Council and included: Ahmed Mohammed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council; Ahmed Ali Al Saadi; Ahmed Bakhit Al Juhfali; Hamdan Ali Al Manai; and Mohammed Ali Al Balushi, members of the Shura Council.
