Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to attend the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Parliament Secretariat confirmed on Saturday. The assembly, which runs from 5 to 9 April, brings together parliamentary representatives from across the world to discuss pressing global challenges and strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
The Speaker is accompanied by a delegation that includes Minority Leader Ibrahim Nazil and Members of Parliament Asma Rasheed, Dr Anara Naeem, Abdulla Rifau and Hussain Imran Latheef.
The IPU, established in 1889, is the global organisation of national parliaments and serves as a platform for dialogue and diplomacy between lawmakers. The Maldives became a member of the union following the passage of a parliamentary resolution on 4 November 2004. Guidelines for the establishment of Maldivian branches of the IPU were later approved on 6 June 2006.
For the Maldives, participation in the 150th IPU Assembly presents an opportunity to raise its voice on the international stage, build parliamentary partnerships, and engage in dialogue on democratic development, peace, and human rights. The event also allows Maldivian lawmakers to network with peers from other nations and share insights on issues such as climate action, youth engagement, and inclusive governance—areas that are of particular relevance to the country’s long-term development goals.
