International Federation of Asia and Africa Trade Unions IFAATU participates in the Second General Conference of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council – Benghazi 2026

Under the theme “Future Relations between Asia and Africa” the Second General Conference of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council was held on 15 and 16 June 2026 in Benghazi in the State of Libya, with the participation of parliamentary speakers, national councils, and official delegations from Asia and Africa.

The conference elected Counsellor Aguila Saleh Issa, Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, President of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council for the second term, and it was also decided to continue Mr. Saud Raed Al-Hujailan, President of the International Federation of Asia and Africa Trade Unions for the position of First Vice President of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council, First Vice President of the Council, along with the continuation of Mr. Fayez Al-Shawabaka as Secretary-General and Mr. Abdullah Al-Masri Al-Fudail as Deputy Secretary-General.

The International Federation of Asia and Africa Trade Unions participated with a high-level official delegation comprising:
Mr. Mohammed Al-Mabrouk Abu Zaid Secretary-General of the Federation,
Mr. Mustafa Al-Muraiziq Vice President of the Federation,
Mr. Ali Rahim Al-Saadi Secretary for Asian Affairs,
and Ms. Tariqa Bint Kaber Chair of the Women’s Committee.

The Federation, as the founding organization of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council, enjoys a firmly established organizational position within the structure of the Council, as the statutes stipulate the allocation of the position of First Vice President of the Council on a permanent basis to the International Federation of Asia and Africa Trade Unions.

The speech of Mr. Saud Raed Al-Hujailan
First Vice President of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council

I am pleased to address you at the Second General Conference of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council on the topic “Future Relations between Asia and Africa”.

Asia and Africa are bound by deep historical, cultural, and human ties, and they share common aspirations towards development, stability, and improving the lives of peoples. In light of global changes, the importance of joint action between the two continents is increasing.

We emphasize the importance of strengthening cooperation between parliaments, exchanging expertise, and supporting initiatives that serve peoples.

We also look forward to expanding cooperation in the fields of education, technology, investment, energy, and food security.

The future of Asia and Africa depends on partnerships based on trust, respect, and cooperation, and on transforming challenges into opportunities.

Mr. Mohammed Al-Mabrouk Abu Zaid, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Asia and Africa Trade Unions, also emphasized the importance of the role of the Asian-African Parliamentary Council in supporting the issues of peoples, noting that what the International Federation of Asia and Africa Trade Unions has achieved in bringing together parliamentary institutions and national councils in Asia and Africa is an unprecedented historic achievement in the international trade union movement, calling for continued support and strengthening of this project.