New Delhi 14 March 2022: An Austrian Parliamentary Delegation called on Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, at Parliament House Complex, today. Led by Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the Austrian National Council, the delegation is on a five-day visit to India. The President of the Federal Council of Austria, Christine Schwarz-Fuchs and other Austrian parliamentarians were part of the delegation.
Several Union Ministers, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh, and Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were also present on the occasion.
On this occasion, the two sides held a detailed discussion on global terrorism. Mentioning that India is a victim of terrorism, Birla stressed that there is a need for the entire world to fight against terrorism and the financing of terrorism. Birla also expressed concern over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and said that India seeks the establishment of peace in Ukraine through diplomatic efforts. He added that development is possible only in a peaceful and harmonious world and everyone must work together in this direction.
Referring to the close friendly relations between India and Austria, Birla said that both countries have deep faith in democracy and unwavering faith in democratic values which further strengthen relations between them. Birla further said that India and Austria share similar views and both of them have always stood for peace and stability in the world. Speaking about Indian values, Birla said that in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, it has been India’s effort that the whole world progresses towards advancement and welfare of humanity.
Birla recalled that India has taken many steps for the protection and promotion of the environment, keeping in view the global problem of climate change. He further said that under COP-26, India is seriously working towards reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by the year 2030 and that the Parliament of India has held extensive discussions on this issue a number of times.
Birla added that India has taken a leading role in international parliamentary cooperation and has always been an active participant in international parliamentary fora such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). He expressed faith that regular meetings between parliamentary delegations would further enhance mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples. Noting that there has been regular interaction between the Parliaments of the two countries, Birla expressed happiness that an Austria-India Friendship Group has been constituted in Austria and a similar group is in the process of being formed in India as well.
Earlier Birla along with the Austrian Parliamentary Delegation visited the under construction new Parliament House building.
