Doha: The Shura Council held its regular weekly meeting at Tamim bin Hamad Hall, chaired by HE Speaker of the Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. The session commenced with praise for HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's participation in the G20 Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The council highlighted that His Highness's attendance at the summit, upon the invitation of HE President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, underscores Qatar's significant role in fostering international cooperation and addressing global issues. According to Qatar News Agency, the council also welcomed the outcomes of HH the Amir's official visits to Costa Rica and Colombia. In Costa Rica, the strengthening of bilateral relations was noted, alongside His Highness's honoring of winners of the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award. The council affirmed that this award reflects Qatar's commitment to transparency and integrity. The visit to Colombia was seen as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and explore cooperation in various fields. The council proceeded to discuss the draft state budget for the fiscal year 2025, with HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and other ministry officials present. The Minister provided an overview of the draft budget, emphasizing developmental spending, economic sustainability, and prioritization of key sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The council members engaged with the Minister on budgetary concerns across various sectors. HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim commended the Ministry of Finance for its efforts in preparing the draft budget, recognizing the balanced approach between vital sector expenditure and financial sustainability. The Speaker noted that the draft budget aligns with the prudent policies of HH the Amir and prioritizes sectors essential to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030. Council members praised the budget's focus on enhancing public services, supporting strategic investments, and prioritizing development projects to improve citizens' quality of life. They emphasized the importance of economic diversification, supporting non-oil sectors, and fostering investment in innovative fields for economic sustainability. The members also highlighted the need to maintain efficient government expenditure to meet citizens' needs and achieve sustainable development. The transparent presentation by HE the Minister of Finance was appreciated, highlighting the government's commitment to collaborating with the Shura Council on financial matters for the public interest. Furthermore, HE Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim briefed the council on the visit of HE President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Tulia Ackson, to Qatar. The visit, at the Shura Council's invitation, focused on enhancing bilateral partnerships. Dr. Ackson praised Qatar's progress and lauded the successful constitutional amendment referendum. The meetings during her visit were seen as pivotal in strengthening coopera tion between the Shura Council and IPU, supporting parliamentary dialogue in addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development.