Today, a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) on Social and Cultural Affairs was held in Dushanbe.
As a gesture of respect for the heroes, devoted figures, and distinguished personalities of the Tajik nation, the guests laid wreaths at the monument to Ismoili Somoni.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General and Secretariat of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, as well as heads of parliamentary delegations from more than 20 member states of the organization.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Faizali Idizoda noted that parliaments not only adopt laws, but also bear an important responsibility for creating an atmosphere of trust, strengthening tolerance, protecting national and universal values, ensuring social justice, and promoting sustainable development.
The Asian Parliamentary Assembly has become an important platform for interparliamentary dialogue, providing broad opportunities for bringing positions closer together, exchanging legislative experience, and seeking joint solutions to pressing issues in the region.
Asia is the cradle of great civilizations, ancient cultures, languages, traditions, and diverse beliefs.
The civilizational and cultural diversity of the continent should serve not as a factor of division, but as a shared value and a foundation for mutual understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Human history has demonstrated that genuine social progress is possible only in an atmosphere of peace, respect for the culture and identity of others, dialogue, and constructive coexistence.
In this regard, Mr. Idizoda emphasized that parliamentarians have a responsibility to use the opportunities provided by parliamentary diplomacy to help remove social and political barriers, expand relations among peoples, and strengthen a culture of peace.
Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Majlisi Milli and Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Zarif Alizoda noted that holding the meeting of the APA Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs in Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan, is an important event for strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and advancing regional and international parliamentarism.
Mahmadali Vatanzoda, Chairman of the Committee of the Majlisi Milli of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan on Constitutional Foundations, Human Rights and Freedoms, Citizenship and Legality, emphasized that the activities of the Assembly are aimed at expanding interparliamentary relations, promoting peace and stability, developing political, economic, social, and cultural cooperation, and exchanging legislative experience among member states.
Dr. Ahmed Alsaloom, Acting Deputy Chairman of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly and representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and APA Secretary-General Muhammadrizo Majidi also addressed the meeting and provided information on the plans and tasks of the Committee.
Mavsuma Muini, Deputy Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, noted that the APA Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs is one of the key structures of the Assembly. She said that the Committee addresses issues related to the protection of diversity and cultural heritage, human development, healthcare, women's participation in parliamentary activities, the rights and interests of children and youth, interfaith dialogue, tourism, and other matters of social and cultural importance.
The agenda of the meeting included the election of the Bureau, the report of the Secretary-General, general discussions, consideration of draft resolutions, as well as the status of women parliamentarians in Asia. All agenda items were considered during the meeting.
It should be noted that the meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Republic of Tajikistan.
