Sisi: Parliamentary diplomacy key factor in enhancing joint Arab action, solidarity

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Sunday a delegation from the chiefs of Arab parliaments and delegations taking part in the 4^th Conference of the Arab Parliament, led by AP Speaker Adel bin Abdel Rahman Al Assoumi.

The Speakers of Egypt’s both parliament chambers, the House of Deputies and the Senate, Hanafi Gebali and Abdel Wahab Abdel Razeq respectively, attended the meeting.

Welcoming the delegation, President Sisi stressed the importance of further boosting parliamentary ties between Arab countries, to contribute to exchanging expertise and consolidating Arab unity and solidarity, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said.

The president also commended the 4^th AP conference as reflecting the Arab parliamentarians’ undertaking of their enormous national responsibility at this crucial present stage in the Arab World’s history, Spokesman Radi said.

Parliamentary diplomacy, President Sisi emphasised, has become a significant arm of any Arab action at the regional and international levels, complementing official diplomacy in serving the interest of Arab peoples and defending their just causes.

The role of parliamentarians in achieving security and stability in the Arab world is the theme of AP conference’s current session which convened under the auspices of President Sisi.

Speaking during the meeting, House of Deputies Speaker Gebali highlighted the important role of Arab parliaments as embodying the will of peoples in addition to their consideration of the issues of concern to Arab countries, especially regarding co-operation to confront terrorism and extremist ideology.

For his part, the AP Chairman Al Assoumi said that the parliament is keen on contributing to the Arab efforts to counter present challenges facing the nation.

He also expressed high valuation of the efforts made and honourable positions adopted by Egypt under the leadership of President Sisi for consolidating joint Arab action and defending Arabs national security as the foundation of stability for the Arab nation, Spokesman Radi said.

The meeting included an open dialogue between President Sisi and Arab chief parliamentarians who expressed appreciation of Egypt’s stances and its key contribution to the consolidation of co-operation between Arab countries, Spokesman Radi said.