AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez on Thursday stressed the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting regional stability and addressing mounting international challenges.

 

Speaking at the first summit of speakers of parliament affiliated with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, Fayez said parliamentary diplomacy has become increasingly influential amid the expansion of democratic practices, the growing role of national parliaments and the implementation of international laws, agreements and treaties, according to a Senate statement.

 

He said parliamentary diplomacy contributes to fostering constructive cooperation among states, parliaments and parliamentary organisations on issues of shared regional and international concern, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Fayez noted that issues such as democracy, public freedoms, social justice and the protection of humanitarian values are no longer addressed solely by governments, but have become central to the work of parliaments and parliamentary institutions worldwide.

 

He described parliamentary diplomacy as a key pillar in reinforcing the resilience of democratic institutions, serving as a supportive arm to official diplomacy by enhancing parliamentary cooperation, defending national interests and supporting democratic stability and sustainable development.

 

“Parliamentary diplomacy is not merely a parallel track to official diplomacy,” Fayez said. “It is a fundamental pillar that reflects the voice of the people, builds bridges of trust, promotes constructive dialogue and contributes to formulating joint solutions away from political tensions.”

 

Fayez highlighted that the summit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, recalling that the organisation was founded in Amman in September 2006, when its inaugural session was held.

 

He said the assembly has since evolved into one of the region’s most effective parliamentary diplomacy platforms, helping contain crises, support humanitarian action and promote democratic values and dialogue beyond the Mediterranean region.

 

Fayez also stressed that Jordan, in line with directives from His Majesty King Abdullah, continues to implement comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening the democratic process and reinforcing the role of the legislative authority represented by the Senate and House of Representatives.

 

Fayez said that His Majesty remains committed to strengthening parliament’s role as a cornerstone of political reform, democratic development and institutional balance.

 

He added that Jordanian parliamentary diplomacy complements the Kingdom’s official foreign policy led by the King by promoting Jordan’s international standing and defending Arab and Islamic causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and efforts to end the Israeli occupation and restore regional stability.

 

He also highlighted its role in supporting democratic transitions, particularly in countries facing challenges in consolidating democratic institutions, through parliamentary partnerships, training programmes and cooperation initiatives.

 

Turning to regional developments, Fayez urged stronger diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts and crises in the Middle East and enable the region’s peoples to live in peace and stability.

 

He stressed the need to intensify international efforts to halt the Israeli aggression against Palestinians, ensure the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and allow the uninterrupted entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

 

Fayez also called for a firm stance against Iranian attacks targeting Jordan and Gulf countries, warning that continued Iranian-American-Israeli tensions would lead to further violence and instability in the region.

 

Questioning rising global military expenditure, Fayez said international military spending has reached $2.3 trillion, asking whether even part of that amount could instead be directed toward combating poverty, unemployment, climate change and environmental degradation.

 

“The Earth that gave us life must be protected, not destroyed,” Fayez said, warning that continued wars and instability threaten humanity’s future.

 

The summit addressed mechanisms to strengthen parliamentary cooperation across the Mediterranean and Gulf regions, including the role of parliamentary diplomacy in supporting political dialogue, promoting governance and restoring trust in democratic institutions.