FNC affirms importance of joint parliamentary action in supporting efforts to protect maritime routes, ensure freedom of navigation

Dubai [UAE], May 8: Maryam Majid bin Theneya, Second Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), affirmed that joint parliamentary action is gaining increasing importance in supporting international efforts aimed at protecting maritime corridors, ensuring freedom of navigation, strengthening mechanisms of international accountability, and contributing to advancing paths of dialogue and de-escalation in a manner that enhances opportunities for sustainable political solutions.
Bin Theneya stated that the United Arab Emirates stresses the importance of any settlement being based on consideration of the rights of affected countries, guaranteeing their security, and achieving a balance that supports regional and international stability.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the FNC, during her participation today in the 1st Summit of Speakers and Presidents of Parliament of Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Member and Partner States in Budva, Montenegro, she emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy reflects the ability of parliamentary institutions to respond responsibly to challenges by adopting clear positions, strengthening coordination, and engaging in constructive dialogue that contributes to consolidating security and stability and serving common interests.
She stressed that the unprovoked Iranian terrorist attacks targeting the UAE, the Gulf Arab states, and Jordan - which began in late February this year and continued through successive waves of escalation, culminating in attacks carried out days ago against vital Emirati facilities even after the announcement of a truce - constitute a blatant and grave violation of international law, a direct and deliberate assault on the sovereignty, security, and stability of states, an undermining of the sanctity of civilian facilities and vital infrastructure, and a serious threat to maritime security in international waterways and to regional and international stability.
She pointed out that the repercussions of these practices have extended to the global economy, energy security, and supply chains, which requires a responsible international stance reflecting a collective commitment to protecting stability and preserving the rules of the international order.
She stressed that parliamentary diplomacy is no longer a complementary option, but has become the first line of defense for the stability of states and the safety valve for the resilience of their democratic institutions in the face of crises.
The focus, she said, remains on aware parliaments, responsible positions, and constructive cooperation that reflect a shared understanding that the stability of states is interconnected and that their security is a collective responsibility.
She affirmed that this conference carries exceptional importance, as it brings together the speakers of parliament from Mediterranean countries and Gulf Arab states in the first meeting of its kind within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, thereby laying the foundation for an advanced stage of joint parliamentary action.
''The conference is being held amid rapidly evolving political and security challenges, highlighting the importance of the role of parliaments in supporting stability and strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions. She noted that choosing parliamentary diplomacy as the central theme of the conference reflects the importance of parliamentary dialogue in enhancing communication, bringing viewpoints closer together, and containing tensions.''
She added: "At a time when the importance of such communication is growing, challenges are emerging that affect the very core of regional and international stability. Our region is witnessing rapid developments linked to a dangerous escalation, which places upon parliaments the responsibility to express clear, balanced, and responsible positions that reinforce stability and protect the international order."
Source: Emirates News Agency