Strengthening Ties: Madagascar’s Parliamentary Delegation Meets Indian Lok Sabha Speaker
The delegation from Madagascar, led by H E Justin Tokely, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who reaffirmed India’s friendship and support towards Madagascar’s growth. He highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in various domains, including humanitarian aid, democratic values, and parliamentary exchange programs.
On Wednesday, Om Birla, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, reaffirmed India’s esteem for Madagascar as a valued friend and partner in developmental progress. He underscored that Madagascar is integral to India’s vision of “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region), emphasizing its role in enhancing regional stability and economic prosperity.
These statements were made during a meeting with a Parliamentary Delegation from Madagascar, led by H E Justin Tokely, the President of the National Assembly of Madagascar. Birla remarked on the longstanding relationship between India and Madagascar, which is rooted in centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and mutual interaction.
India is guided by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’, and Speaker Birla noted the nation’s commitment to assisting neighboring countries during crises. He highlighted India’s humanitarian assistance and development projects in Madagascar, which reflect a mutual commitment to prosperity.
The Lok Sabha Speaker acknowledged the vital contributions of the Indian Diaspora in Madagascar toward enhancing bilateral relations. He expressed pleasure regarding the inaugural ‘Jaipur Foot Camp’ in Madagascar that provided artificial limbs to hundreds of differently-abled individuals.
During the discussion, Birla pointed out India’s status as the world’s oldest and largest democracy, emphasizing its historical role in democratic governance and collective decision-making. He noted a significant increase in voter participation since India’s first election, illustrating a growing commitment to democracy among the populace.
Speaker Birla also provided insights into the functioning of the Indian Parliament, including the Budget Session process. He referred to the capacity-building programs for legislators offered by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), expressing his hope that these would benefit Madagascar’s Parliament.
The Speaker proposed regular exchanges of parliamentary delegations to foster learning and collaboration on parliamentary best practices. Justin Tokely expressed gratitude for the invitation to India and acknowledged India’s advancements in economy and technology, noting shared interests in areas such as agriculture, maritime security, health, and education.
In summary, the meeting between Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the Parliamentary Delegation from Madagascar underscored the enduring friendship between India and Madagascar. This relationship is deeply rooted in historical ties and mutual support, particularly in humanitarian efforts and democratic ideals. The collaboration seeks to strengthen economic and cultural connections, paving the way for future cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
