Om Birla calls for Indian, Australian youths to join hands for development
Toronto (Canada), August 24: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met the Australian parliamentary delegation on the sidelines of the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference at Canada's Halifax.
While interacting with the Australian group, Om Birla emphasised the importance of youth in nation-building and highlighted the role of young women and men from both countries interacting on a regular basis and contributing to growth through knowledge-sharing.
He advocated for increased people-to-people contact between the two countries in order to strengthen bilateral ties.
"It was the right decision in the right direction to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. The legislators of India and Australia should regularly interact among themselves, and exchange best practices and implementation modules that will make parliamentary democracy stronger," the Lok Sabha speaker added.
Birla hailed the Indian diaspora for hosting the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate the completion of 75 years of the nation's independence.
He further added that the tricolour binds all Indians around the world together. "In the Amrit Kaal, Indians abroad celebrated Independence Day and made it a global celebration," Birla said.
Birla also mentioned the India-Australia Friendship Group. Referring to Parliamentary Standing Committees, Birla stated that these committees are effective mechanisms for ensuring executive accountability.
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"Therefore, for strengthening the legislature, the committee system should be strengthened," said Birla, further inviting legislators and officials from the Australian Parliament for training in PRIDE.
In his remarks, the Lok Sabha Speaker emphasised the two countries' sports relations, stating that cricket is a passion in both India and Australia.
"Both countries' cricket teams should meet on a regular basis to improve people-to-people engagement," he continued.
Later, Birla held a meeting of the Indian Delegation's Presiding Officers and Parliamentarians, urging them to present India's point of view during the deliberations and to contribute positively to the conference's success.
Later, the Lok Sabha speaker attended the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference's Opening Ceremony, where he met with Presiding Officers and Parliamentarians from other Commonwealth countries.
On the occasion, he reaffirmed India's commitment to parliamentary democracy and inclusive legislatures.
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-PTC News
