QNA
Doha
Speaker of the Shura Council HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has said that the council is ready to start a new phase in its legislative process to contribute to supporting national development efforts with the opening of the second ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the 51st ordinary session.
The Shura speaker described the opening of the second ordinary session as “a new beginning towards a promising future”.
In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ghanim said that the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will inaugurate the council’s second ordinary session on Tuesday (today), stressing that HH the Amir’s honouring of the inauguration of every term of the Shura Council’s ordinary session is a source of pride for the council, affirming HH the Amir’s support for this pioneering national institution.
He noted that the speech that HH the Amir delivers at the beginning of every term is a beacon of inspiration that guides the council throughout its journey and paves the way towards establishing a new beginning in supporting the sustainable development goals and achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030.
“This year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Shura Council, which proves the wise leadership’s keenness - since the establishment of the modern state and the building of its institutions - on the importance of this legislative institution and the belief in its important and pivotal role in popular participation,” he said.
Ghanim stressed the national unity and the people’s cohesion with the leadership over time, indicating that this well-established principle is an essential pillar of the establishment by the late founder of the state Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani.
“The reason behind choosing ‘Our Unity Source of Our Strength’ as this year’s slogan for the Qatar National Day occasion has been stated in the speech of HH the Amir before the Shura Council in the opening of its first ordinary session, which is an affirmation of this firm principle,” he added.
On a question regarding the achievements of the elected council in terms of arranging its structures and various developments to carry out its mission to the fullest, the Shura speaker said that since the first day of its first session, the council began working on arranging its internal situation in line with the requirements of the phase and in accordance with the status of the elected council, as stipulated by the constitution due to its significance and impact on the legislative process.
“Besides arranging its internal conditions, the council has not neglected its role in oversight and legislation, and in discussing issues that concern the society and contribute to advancing the development Qatar,” he added.
On the level of the council’s achievements in the legislative aspect, Ghanim said that during the 35th plenary session, the council members discussed many vital issues of interest to the country and citizens, and presented appropriate proposals regarding them.
He noted that during its first session, the council addressed several significant topics, whether related to legislative tools or other important issues that touch the lives of citizens, such as the two draft laws on social insurance and military retirement.
Speaking about economy and investment, he said the council discussed two decree-laws on amending some provisions of the law establishing QatarEnergy and law on amending some provisions of the law on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.
The Shura speaker added that the council discussed and addressed proposals related to topics such as inflation, the high cost of living and the increased financial burdens in society, Qataris’ reluctance to join teaching profession, the manifestations associated with marriage, the issue of Qatari job seekers, in addition to the promotion of national values and identity, and other topics on which appropriate decisions were taken.
With respect to the parliamentary diplomacy and its role in consolidating the council’s foreign relations, Ghanim said Qatar had achieved a success in consolidating the concept of parliamentary diplomacy through contributing to finding the communication and outreach among the peoples through their representatives, indicating that the council had promoted the honourable image of Qatar to the world through this diplomacy.
He added that the council occupies crucial positions in the regional and international parliamentary associations, as the council has membership in the Office of the Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs in the IPU and chairs the Committee on Peace and International Security, and has membership in Committee on Democracy and Human Rights of IPU.
He said the council has four members in the Arab Parliament, who represent the council in its four committees.
He hailed the wise vision, pertinent directives and the steadfast efforts of the wise leadership, represented by the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani which led to the developmental achievements that enhanced the well-being of citizens and residents, and established economic and social stability, albeit the challenges facing the countries of the world.
Concerning the council’s preparations for the next session to achieve the aspirations of the Qatari citizens, Ghanim said the council will continue its national role through which it had contributed to the process of development, growth and modernisation witnessed by the country in multiple fields and at all levels.
He affirmed that the next session will be exceptional, because it coincides with the hosting of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
He noted the extend of world’s admiration of the preparations made by Qatar to host the tournament during the council’s participations in the regional and international parliamentary events, during which the delegations expressed their admiration for the Qatari experience in preparing for the tournament.
The Shura speaker thanked everyone who contributed to these accomplishments, calling on every citizen and resident to do more and give more during the tournament to be the most beautiful and most distinguished in history.
