Manama, Bahrain — The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) participated as an Observer in the 16th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain from 24th – 28th January 2026. The President of IPC, H.E. AbdelRahim Almaaia, represented the organization at this important parliamentary forum.
The APA Plenary Session serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration among Asian parliaments and addressing shared regional and global challenges. IPC’s presence in its observer capacity reflects the organization’s dedication to supporting parliamentary diplomacy and promoting constructive engagement among legislative bodies.
During the plenary proceedings, H.E. AbdelRahim Almaaia delivered a speech in which he shared IPC’s perspectives on the session’s theme, “The Role of Asian Parliaments in Strengthening Intercultural and Inter-Civilizational Dialogue.” In his address, he underscored the importance of parliaments as bridges between cultures and civilizations, emphasizing their responsibility in promoting mutual respect, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence. He highlighted the role of dialogue in overcoming divisions and fostering sustainable partnerships built on shared values and cooperation.
On the sidelines of the session, the President of IPC held several bilateral meetings with distinguished parliamentary leaders and delegations to enhance institutional linkages and explore future avenues of cooperation. These engagements included meetings with the Secretary-General of TURKPA, the President of the Parliament of Bahrain, the delegation of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), and the Speaker of the Parliament of Bhutan, among others. The discussions focused on strengthening parliamentary collaboration, exchanging best practices, and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives.
Reflecting on IPC’s continued engagement with the APA, H.E. AbdelRahim Almaaia noted that participating in the APA Plenary Session each year remains a profound opportunity to reinforce partnerships and contribute to meaningful dialogue among parliaments across the region.
IPC remains committed to supporting platforms that encourage mutual understanding, intercultural harmony, and collaborative policymaking, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide.