| Achong Tanjong |
THE third meeting of Speakers of Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments was held from October 8-11 in Turkey’s Antalya, with parliamentary heads and delegations from 38 countries attending the event.
The theme of the meeting was ‘Economic Cooperation, Environment and Sustainable Development in Eurasia’.
Brunei delegation was led by Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib, who was accompanied by two senior officers from the Department of the Councils of State.
The general meeting ended with the Antalya Statement on 17 issues related to sustainable economic cooperation, sustainable environment and development of the Eurasia (Europe and Asia) region.
The meeting also discussed the role of the Eurasia Parliament on current issues by taking into account the Principle of Respects. The meeting also provided a platform to exchange ideas of good practices as a step to enhance diplomacy between Parliaments.
A speech from President of Turkey Recep Tayyib Erdogan opened the meeting. Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Binali Yildirim delivered the speech for the President.
He said the meeting aimed to solve global issues through diplomacy and joint cooperation. He urged members of Parliament to put in more effective effort to solve such issues.
He added the interaction and relations between the Parliaments needed to be further enhanced and developed as the present world faces significant challenges.
In the first plenary session Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman said he agreed with the theme of this year’s meeting.
He said sustainable development is one of the significant concepts and it needs to be practised for enhancing and restoring the economy in Eurasia.
Brunei’s participation in the meeting was hoped to further strengthen relationships with other Parliaments.
In the economic field, Brunei has been active in maximising the benefit through the involvement in international and regional forums.
The Speaker of the Legislative Council added, “We need to enhance current assests without affecting the resources of the future generation. Sustainable development will continue to progress and protect global resources.
The meeting ended with the signing of a Joint Statement from all the heads of delegation.