Amman, May 7 (Petra) – Senate President Faisal Fayez said parliamentary diplomacy has gained increasing importance amid the expansion of democratic practices, the growing role of national parliaments, and the activation of international laws, agreements, and treaties.

Speaking on Thursday at the inaugural summit of Speakers of Parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, Fayez said parliamentary diplomacy fosters constructive cooperation among states, parliaments, and parliamentary organizations on issues of shared regional and international concern.

He noted that issues related to democracy, public freedoms, social justice, and the protection of human values are no longer confined to governments, but are now actively addressed within parliamentary institutions and bodies, according to a Senate statement.

Fayez underscored that parliamentary diplomacy constitutes a fundamental pillar in reinforcing the resilience of democratic institutions. He said it complements official diplomacy by strengthening parliamentary cooperation, safeguarding national interests, supporting democratic stability and sustainable development, and enhancing institutional capacity to respond to emerging challenges in line with public aspirations.

He further explained that parliamentary diplomacy is not merely a parallel channel to traditional diplomacy, but a mechanism that reflects public sentiment, embodies popular will, builds bridges of trust, promotes dialogue, and contributes to developing common approaches away from political tensions.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, Fayez recalled that the body was established in Amman in September 2006, where its first plenary session was held, providing it with institutional momentum to advance parliamentary diplomacy in the region.

The summit is set to discuss mechanisms to enhance parliamentary cooperation across the Mediterranean and Arab Gulf regions, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting political dialogue, strengthening governance, and restoring confidence in democratic institutions.

//Petra// AJ