IX Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for Mediterranean, which gathered 280 representatives of the parliaments from 44 member states, ended today in Brussels.

Preceding the plenary session, on the first working day, a meeting of the Committee on Political Issues, Security and Human Rights was held, where the Report of the Institute for Economic Forecast on the topic: “Europe and Mediterranean: Suggestions for development of the great region of global influence” was considered. The report was presented to the members of the Committee by Mr Abderrahmane Hadj Nacer, former governor of the Central Bank of Algeria and Ms Carmen Romero López, member of the European Parliament. On that occasion, the aim of the Report was pointed out, which was reflected in promotion of relations between the countries of Mediterranean, i.e. promotion of cooperation of the north and south part of this area. It was highlighted that there should be a clear vision of political aims that implied giving contributions to a better and brighter future of the Mediterranean countries.

The Chair of the session, Ms Tokia Saïfi, pointed out the need to respect the principle of dialogue, but also the values such as rule of law and observation of human rights and on that occasion she especially focused on the rights of women and their role in the political life.

At the meeting of the Committee on Political Issues, Security and Human Rights, there was a discussion on development of countries from the Middle East, as well as burning issues of Israel, Palestine and Syria, with the aim of reviving cooperation both in this area and the entire Mediterranean region.

On the second working day, the participants of the plenary session were addressed by Mr. Martin Schulz, the President of the European Parliament, who stated that, even in the moments of economic crisis which affected each member state, promotion of cooperation should be worked on, which was to lead to consolidation and observation of democratic principles, not only in economic but also in the political sense.

After consideration, the following recommendations of the Committee in accordance with its competencies had been adopted: providing support to the parliaments of the countries going through the democratic transition; development of investment possibilities and operating in the Mediterranean area, i.e. building of the financial instruments for Mediterranean countries; role of women in management; recommendations with regard to the renewable energy sources; building of national parks and ecologic cities, and finally - recommendations regarding the intercultural dialogue and new initiatives in the area of education.

After the adoption of the recommendations, Mr. Sad Hail al-Soror (Saad Hail al-Sourour), the President of the House of Representatives of Jordan, was elected the new Chair of the Union for Mediterranean.

On behalf of the Parliament of Montenegro, the meeting was attended by its member, Mr. Miodrag Vuković, PhD, Chairperson of the Committee on International Relations and Emigrants.