Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla met Speaker of the Consultative Assembly of Oman State Council, HE. Mr. Khalid Al Mawali, on the sidelines of 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.
Speaking on this occasion, Shri Birla noted that Oman is geographically India’s closest neighbour in the Gulf region and both India and Oman have shared a deep friendship for centuries which is reflected in trade, culture, and common priorities of both the countries.
Mentioning about the journey and strength of democracy, Shri Birla observed that as the largest democracy in the world, India has not only maintained the highest standards of democratic conduct but has also set new paradigms for the entire world. Voting in India is not just a process; it is the grand festival of our democracy, he added. Today, India is not only conducting the world’s largest electoral process but people’s participation in it is also increasing. Transparency in our elections and efficiency in the electoral process have increased, Shri Birla further noted.
Referring to Indians as the bridge of friendship between India and the Gulf countries, Shri Birla opined that they were a living example of the close ties and friendship between India and the Gulf countries. He stressed on high level dialogue between the two countries at regular intervals for enhancing mutual dialogue and cooperation. Trade, economic and social ties between the two countries have been strengthened and historical ties have also gained a new momentum which have the potential to reach new heights, he observed. Shri Birla called for sharing best parliamentary traditions, practices and working systems with each other which will help in making the democratic system better and more accessible to the people. He also invited the legislators and officials of Oman to avail the capacity building programmes conducted by PRIDE.
