Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), and Ahmed Aboul Gheit, League of Arab States Secretary-General, discussed ways to promote co-operation between the FNC and the League of Arab States.

They also discussed the importance of working together, the drafting of parliamentary strategies to be adopted by Arab countries, and having one stance on various issues that require co-ordination and support on an International and Arab level.

They stressed their desire to promote the vital and efficient role of Arab parliaments for promoting continuous joint work, as well as co-operation in areas of politics, culture, economics and investments, in light of current developments in the region.

The meeting was attended by Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, the UAE’s ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States. Current topics that are relevant in several Arab countries, such as crises, forced migration and refugee issues, were also discussed.

Aboul Gheit welcomed Dr. Al Qubaisi and congratulated her on being elected the Speaker of the FNC, and the first woman to head a parliamentary institution in the Arab region.

During the meeting, they also highlighted the necessity of co-operation to help Arab governments eradicate terrorism and extremism, as well as combat forces that threaten Arab national security and stop interventions in the internal affairs of Arab countries.

Dr. Al Qubaisi expressed her appreciation for Egypt’s role among the Arab nations, and its fight against terrorism and extremism. She also stressed the importance of fighting terrorism and extremism in Arab countries through clear and specific strategies.

Aboul Gheit praised the leading role of women in the UAE, as part of the UAE leadership’s interest to empower women in all areas. This has contributed to the success of women in occupying leading positions in the UAE.

He praised the foresight and planning of the UAE and stressed that strategic planning is facing several obstacles in the Arab region.

Dr. Al Qubaisi then briefed Ahmed Aboul Gheit about the FNC’s co-operation with international parliaments, in preparation for the World Summit for Parliamentary Chairwomen. The FNC was keen for the summit, entitled "United to Shape the Future", to not be limited to women’s issues alone, she said.

The summit would be attended by 35 parliamentary chairwomen, and an Abu Dhabi declaration will be issued at the end of the event, she added.