Strengthening Ties: India and Seychelles Enhance Parliamentary Cooperation
In a significant move to bolster diplomatic relations, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla engaged in a productive bilateral parliamentary dialogue with Hon’ble Ms. Azarel Yolanda Ernesta, the newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, along with her distinguished delegation. This meeting took place at the Parliament House Complex, marking a pivotal moment in India-Seychelles relations.
Shri Birla warmly congratulated Ms. Ernesta on her historic achievement as the first female Speaker of Seychelles and reminisced about their previous interaction during the Commonwealth Speakers’ Conference held in New Delhi earlier this year. Highlighting her deep interest in India’s spiritual traditions, particularly Yoga, he also expressed admiration for her dedication to Goddess Ma Kali.
Celebrating Diplomatic Milestones
Shri Birla celebrated not only Ms. Ernesta’s election but also the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He remarked that the ties between India and Seychelles extend beyond traditional diplomacy, highlighting centuries-old civilizational connections, a thriving Indian diaspora, and robust people-to-people interactions.
The Speaker emphasized the shared democratic values that fortify their relationship and commended the growing interest in Yoga within Seychelles, offering India’s assistance in promoting this ancient practice through trained instructors.
Strengthening Parliamentary Engagement
Referencing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Seychelles, Shri Birla noted the close rapport between Prime Minister Modi and Seychelles President H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie. He took pride in mentioning that Modi addressed an Extraordinary Sitting of Seychelles’ National Assembly, marking a historic first for an Indian Prime Minister.
This landmark address, he stated, has invigorated the already strong ties between the two nations and reinforced their commitment to enhance parliamentary collaboration. Shri Birla invited the members of the Seychelles National Assembly to visit India, emphasizing that such exchanges would deepen their understanding of India’s vibrant democratic practices and legislative processes.
Embracing Technology for Modern Governance
Shri Birla discussed the transformative impact of technology in parliamentary operations, revealing India’s goal of achieving a paperless Parliament and its incorporation of Artificial Intelligence for multilingual translations of parliamentary proceedings. He underscored the potential for cooperation in various sectors including health, digital transformation, and renewable energy.
To strengthen parliamentary capacity, he proposed that Seychelles’ parliamentary members could benefit from tailored training programs offered by India’s Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE).
Cultural and Educational Exchange
The Lok Sabha Speaker further emphasized the need to enhance cultural, educational, and tourism ties between India and Seychelles. He acknowledged Seychelles as a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean and highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting regional peace and development.
Hon’ble Ms. Azarel Ernesta responded with gratitude for the warm welcome she received, recalling her fond memories of India and describing it as the “mother of democracy.” She acknowledged the historical connections and cultural interweavings between both nations, appreciating India’s advancements in parliamentary digitalization.
This bilateral dialogue signifies not just an exchange of ideas but a reaffirmation of the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles, setting the stage for a cooperative future enriched by shared values and mutual respect.
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