Africazine:
Saudi Arabia’s Saad bin Sulaib Al-Otaibi has been elected as the new president of the Arab Parliament.
Al-Otaibi was elected unopposed for a two-year term on 24 October 2026, succeeding Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi. The election occurred at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, where members also selected deputies and committee leadership.
Al-Otaibi’s Vision for the Arab Parliament
In his inaugural address, Al-Otaibi expressed gratitude to Saudi leadership for their support. He emphasized the need for stronger institutional performance and practical programs that yield measurable results. Al-Otaibi called for clearer working plans and performance indicators to enhance the effectiveness of parliamentary initiatives.
He also highlighted the importance of coordination among Arab lawmakers to address regional challenges, stating that joint action is vital for protecting shared interests and ensuring regional security.
Commitment to Palestinian Statehood
Al-Otaibi reaffirmed that supporting Palestinian statehood will be a priority during his presidency. He pledged to advocate for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, aligning with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. He called for increased parliamentary engagement in regional and international forums to promote Arab positions on critical political and humanitarian issues.
Upcoming Sessions and Initiatives
- The Cairo meetings will continue through 26 October.
- Sessions of the permanent committees will take place.
- The parliament’s first plenary sitting of the new session is scheduled.
Al-Otaibi's leadership marks a pivotal moment for the Arab Parliament and its regional initiatives.
