New Delhi, 14 January (H.S.): Ahead of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Countries, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met parliamentary representatives from Kenya, Maldives, Trinidad and Tobago, and Seychelles today, Wednesday, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations and parliamentary cooperation.

Sharing details of these meetings on social media, he highlighted India's historic, cultural, and democratic connections with these nations, expressing firm commitment to expanding collaboration in the future.

In a post on X, Om Birla detailed his warm discussion with Dr. Moses Masika Wetangula, Speaker of Kenya's National Assembly. He referenced the shared historical ties, including Mahatma Gandhi's time in Africa and the contributions of the Gujarati community in Kenya.

Birla noted that relations between the two countries have evolved into a multifaceted partnership encompassing high-level visits, trade-investment, and people-to-people contacts.

In another post, Birla described his meeting with Abdul Raheem Abdullah, Speaker of Maldives' People's Majlis, emphasizing the long-standing India-Maldives relationship rooted in shared democratic values and mutual respect. He stated that they discussed cooperation in defense, security, infrastructure, and community development. India stands ready to share its AI-enabled innovations, multilingual real-time translation system, and digital parliamentary processes with Maldives.

Birla highlighted his conversation with Jagdeo Singh, Speaker of Trinidad and Tobago's House of Representatives, in yet another post, noting historic linkages and high-level exchanges between the two nations.

Discussions covered expanding partnerships in the pharmaceutical sector, opening new markets, and boosting trade. He mentioned the deep cultural bond through cricket, describing a signed autobiographical gift from Brian Lara as a special memento.

In a further post, Birla congratulated Azrel Ernesta, Speaker of Seychelles' National Assembly, on her historic achievement as the first woman Speaker. He shared that Ernesta appreciated India's social, technological, and infrastructural progress.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Countries here tomorrow, Thursday. The event will occur in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan at the Parliament House complex, chaired by Om Birla, with participation from 61 Speakers and presiding officers representing 42 Commonwealth countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar