“INDO-CANADIAN RELATIONS ARE BASED ON DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND RULE OF LAW”: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

New Delhi 13 February 2020: A Parliamentary delegation from Canada led by H.E. George J. Furey, Speaker of the Senate, Parliament of Canada, called on Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House today.

On this occasion, Shri Birla observed that Indo-Canadian relations have been cordial and are based on democratic values, rule of law and Governments in both the countries are accountable to the people. He noted that the two countries are witnessing growing partnership in a number of areas and are committed towards further strengthening bilateral relationship.

Observing that Parliaments play a key role in peace and stability across the world, Shri Birla said that inter-parliamentary visits are an opportunity for strengthening relations among nations, especially among the parliamentarians of the like-minded democracies. As such, all democracies should endeavor to realize the worth of parliamentary diplomacy. He hoped that the ongoing visit would allow the parliamentarians of the two countries to exchange views and ideas on matters of mutual interest and benefit.

Shri Birla recalled that the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada in April 2015 was extremely successful and that Indo-Canadian bilateral relations have turned into a strategic partnership after that visit, which in turn has added a new dimension to their bilateral relationship. He said that the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February 2018 also underlined the two nation’s strong ties based on fundamental ideals of sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Shri Birla noted that India and Canada have strong economic ties, and efforts need to be made to further tap the full potential of bilateral trade. He added that the two countries have an active partnership in fields like Energy and Science and Technology including Information Technology, Agriculture, education and Defence sectors. He hoped that this robust economic engagement would further consolidate and diversify in currently untapped areas of mutual benefit.

Shri Birla further observed that strong people to people contact is the basis of Indo-Canada relations, because of which the role of cultural exchanges between the two countries is very important. He thanked the Canadian Delegation for the efforts made towards conserving Indian traditions and culture in Canada. Shri Birla added that Mahatma Gandhi is a highly revered figure in Canada and thanked the Mayor of Ottawa for having dedicated 2nd October, to the Mahatma.

Shri Birla also referred to his recent visit to the historic city of Ottawa to attend the 25th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth (CSPOC). He thanked the Delegation for the warm hospitality extended by the Canadian Parliament to the Indian Delegation.

In response, H.E. George J. Furey, Speaker of the Senate, Parliament of Canada thanked Shri Birla for excellent hospitality to his Delegation and hoped that their ongoing visit to India would open doors of new possibilities. He acknowledged the valuable contributions made by Indians in Canadian society and economy.