Paramaribo / New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who is leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation to Suriname, addressed Members of Suriname National Assembly. Shri Birla became the first Speaker of Lok Sabha to address at the Suriname National Assembly.
In his address, Shri Birla said that Parliament is the embodiment of hopes and aspirations of people and plays a leading role in bringing about socio-economic transformation in the lives of the people. Emphasizing on productive deliberations in the House, Shri Birla said that debates and discussions on issues relating to people’s welfare are encouraged in Parliament of India. Effective legislations are outcome of constructive debates and discussions of Members cutting across party lines, observed Shri Birla.
Mentioning about India’s successful journey on the path of growth and development during the last 75 years, Shri Birla said that India is ready with an action plan to become a developed State by 2047. Rapid progress has already been made in addressing foundational issues relating to inclusive development, Shri Birla mentioned.
Referring to the historical and close relationship between India and Suriname, Shri Birla said that there is immense scope to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. If India and Suriname will work as one unit, they can give a new direction to democracy in the world. Shri Birla suggested that India and Suriname should further strengthen their relationship in IPU.
Shri Birla also congratulated Members of Suriname Parliament on construction of their new Parliament
Shri Birla also called on Speaker of National Assembly of Suriname, Mr.
Marinus Bee. During the discussion, Shri Birla spoke about further strengthening parliamentary cooperation between India and Suriname, using technology and capacity building of parliamentarians & officials of National Assembly of Suriname through PRIDE, Lok Sabha Secvretariat.
An MoU was also signed between Lok Sabha Secretariat Lok Sabha Secretariat and National Assembly of Republic of Suriname for cooperation in exchange of information and improved access to parliamentary archives, parliamentary documents, etc. As part of the MoU, Lok Sabha will help Suriname National Assembly to set up a digitized archival library system and to develop and operationalize a mechanism for reciprocal telecast of content generated by respective TV channels on functioning of the democratic institutions of Republic of Suriname. Lok Sabha Speaker has expressed hope that this MoU will foster parliamentary partnership for promoting and enhancing the special bonding, and encouraging and facilitating closer relationship between India and Suriname and both the Parliaments.
Another MoU was signed between The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & The Suriname Standards Bureau for standardization, marking and quality certification of goods. This will help in quality assurance & consumer empowerment in Suriname.
A Group of Ministers led by Hon’ble Mr. Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname also called on Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla. During the meeting, Shri Birla reaffirmed India’s commitment, as a dependable friend and reliable partner of Suriname. Shri Birla also assured India’s cooperation with Suriname in the fields of agriculture, technology, education, health and information technology.
Later, Shri Birla addressed Indian Diaspora in Suriname. Mentioning about their contribution to socio-economic development of Suriname, Shri Birla said that Indian Diaspora is a vital link in the relations between the two countries. He urged them to continue to contribute to the development of their host country and at the same time remain rooted to India’s tradition and culture.
