CAIRO — Bahraini lawmaker Adel Al Asoomi was elected on Monday the new speaker of the Arab Parliament becoming the first Bahraini to hold the post. Al-Assoomi succeeded Dr Mishaal Bin Fahm Al-Sulami after the latter was appointed as the deputy speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Sunday. Commenting on his appointment as the Arab Parliament speaker, Al Asoomi said it affirms the strength of Bahrain's parliamentary status and work at the Arab and international levels. In a statement to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Al-Assoomi said that the high-level international post confirms the depth of the comprehensive development march Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He asserted that Bahrain's presidency of the Arab Parliament affirms the prestigious status of the Bahraini democracy which, he said, is characterized by balance, firmness and rationalism, noting that the exploit is a new milestone that adds to Bahrain's landmark achievements during King Hamad's prosperous era.