In an interview with ‘PUIC’ Bulletin, The Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritania, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Bamba Meguett, addressed a number of key issues, including economic development in the Islamic world, the Palestinian cause, and enhancing cooperation between PUIC Member States. Below is the full text of the interview:

•    To what extent can cooperation and economic integration among Islamic States be strengthened through the activation of intra-OIC economic cooperation agreements? And what is the role of parliaments in facilitating this?

I would like to begin by commending the leading role of the Bulletin issued by the PUIC, and express my sincere wishes for its continued excellence as it now publishes its 34th issue. In the same context, I am pleased to warmly welcome the convening of the upcoming 55th meeting of the PUIC’s Executive Committee in Nouakchott. Regarding the question on ways to enhance cooperation and economic integration among Islamic States through the activation of intra-OIC cooperation agreements, the first point that comes to mind is the diversity of economic capabilities across the Islamic world, countries which, collectively, constitute some of the largest economies in the world. Despite major global economic challenges, such as slow global growth, continued inflation, and renewed trade tensions, global economic outlook reports point to promising opportunities for Islamic countries. Therefore, it is essential to harmonize economic laws and regulations, leading to the unification, or at least the approximation, of trade, customs, and tax systems among the various Member States, and to work on eliminating all obstacles and legal inconsistencies hindering the implementation of joint agreements.
In this regard, activating joint committees and follow-up mechanisms is crucial through the creation of specialized committees tasked with monitoring and periodic evaluation, thereby enabling us to assess results effectively. To ensure genuine economic integration among Islamic States, the following points must be considered:

1.    Developing cross-border infrastructure through enhanced regional transport networks (roads, railways, ports, airports), improving electrical interconnection and energy exchange, and strengthening digital infrastructure to ensure the smooth flow of data and services.
2.    Activating mechanisms for joint financing and investment by launching common investment funds to finance regional integration projects, as well as offering unified tax and customs incentives for joint investments.
3.    Strengthening the role of the private sector by involving business federations in drafting and implementing joint agreements among OIC Member States, establishing joint business councils for follow-up, and supporting the free movement of goods, services, and capital.
4.    Sharing expertise and successful experiences particularly in scientific research, digital economy, and the green economy, often referred to as the “wealth of the future”, including regional energy-grid projects in solar and wind power, joint agricultural ventures, and the creation of a regional food reserve.
5.    Activating bilateral and regional economic cooperation and trade agreements, with special emphasis on enhancing the effectiveness of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, the General Agreement for Economic and Technical Cooperation among OIC Member States, the Framework Agreement on the Trade Preferential System among OIC Member States, and the Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement.
In doing so, we lay a solid foundation for genuine cooperation and constructive economic integration, one that benefits people and endures.
As for the role of parliaments in facilitating such a renaissance, it is well known that parliaments in modern States play a pivotal role in supporting economic cooperation and enhancing regional and international integration, not only as legislative and oversight bodies, but also as influential authorities whose role is no less important than that of governments and regional institutions. Economic integration requires legislative and regulatory convergence among countries in areas such as investment, transport, taxation, and trade. In this context, parliaments can amend existing laws or enact new legislation that promotes harmonization and facilitates cooperation and economic integration among Islamic States. Parliamentary committees may also follow up on joint economic projects. It is therefore incumbent upon Islamic parliaments to enact effective laws on good governance and anti-corruption, measures that encourage cooperation among our nations and deepen mutual trust. Parliaments should also organize hearings with the private sector and experts, and involve civil society in monitoring the implementation of regional economic agreements. The more effective a parliament is in addressing these areas, the greater the ability of our Islamic countries to benefit from the economic opportunities available in the field of cooperation and integration.

•    The Palestinian Cause stands as the central priority for the PUIC. How do you envision the PUIC’s role, in the current circumstances, in finding a just solution to this cause?
 
Indeed, the Palestinian cause is the primary cause of the PUIC, as it must be. It is the first and foremost concern weighing on the hearts of more than two billion Muslims across the world. Today, this just cause faces malicious schemes aimed at liquidating it through forced displacement and the obstruction of the return of Palestinian refugees who were coerced, by sheer force, into abandoning their homeland. The continuation of the Israeli occupying power in committing genocidal war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, even after the conclusion of the ceasefire agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, brokered by American, Arab, and Islamic efforts, and which was intended to create conditions for calm and to immediately open the path for humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts, confirms that this rogue entity does not seek de-escalation. On the contrary, it exploits international agreements to entrench its occupation and expand its colonial settlements, in a cunning attempt to systematically erase the Palestinian Cause. Such a situation requires broad and urgent action to reach a just, comprehensive, and final solution to this noble cause. There can be no peace, no security, and no stability in the Middle East or the world unless the Palestinian people are empowered to exercise their legitimate right over their land.
This obliges the PUIC to continue its mobilization and strong support in pursuit of a just solution founded on the restoration of the Palestinian people’s inalienable and legitimate rights, foremost among them the right to self-determination, the end of the occupation, the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds as its capital, the guarantee of the right of return for Palestinian refugees in accordance with UNGA Res.194, and the release of Palestinian prisoners from the occupation’s jails in line with the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.
This solution must also be inseparable from an unequivocal rejection of any form of forced displacement of the Palestinian people, whether inside their homeland or beyond it. Any call or initiative in this regard must be deemed a war crime, a crime against humanity, and a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. We must also urge the UNSC to assume its responsibilities and enforce its resolutions, particularly Res. 2334, which rejected all forms of settlement activity, demanded its immediate cessation in the OPTs, including the city of Al-Quds, recognized it as an occupied Palestinian city, and nullified any Israeli claim of sovereignty over it. At the same time, we must call upon the UN to activate the international protection mechanism for the Palestinian people and to reaffirm that the military logic underpinning the Israeli barbarity and excessive use of force will bring neither security, stability, nor peace to anyone. In this context, I can only express profound admiration and salute the free people of the world who stood as one across all continents, denouncing the Israeli war of genocide and starvation in Gaza, and raising high the Palestinian flag in every forum in support of this just cause. I must also note with appreciation, the sweeping wave of solidarity witnessed in Mauritania in support of the brotherly Palestinian people during the Israeli genocidal war in Gaza. This included demonstrations, marches, sit-ins, and nationwide donation campaigns. At the forefront of these courageous and steadfast efforts were Mauritanian parliamentarians of all ages, backgrounds, and political affiliations.

•    How can the exchange of legislative and oversight expertise among the parliaments of Member States be strengthened in a manner that contributes to institutional development and reinforces democratic practices?

Strengthening the exchange of legislative and oversight expertise among parliamentarians is not merely a symbolic form of cooperation, it is a genuine lever for enhancing the institutional performance of parliaments, promoting transparency and accountability, and improving the quality of legislation and policies, thereby reinforcing democratic practice. This exchange can be enhanced through the organization of joint training programs and workshops for parliamentarians aimed at sharing expertise and knowledge, as well as through the establishment of regional parliamentary networks to promote communication and exchange visits, enabling members to benefit from successful experiences in other countries. Additionally, convening conferences and meetings on various shared legislative and oversight issues would further enrich this cooperation. Through these mechanisms, institutional performance is strengthened, and democratic practices are further consolidated.