LS Speaker Om Birla addresses Suriname assembly

This is the first time a Speaker of the Lok Sabha has addressed the Suriname parliament.

In his address, Birla said that Parliament is the embodiment of hopes and aspirations of people and plays a leading role in bringing about socio-economic transformation in the lives of the people.

Emphasizing on productive deliberations in the House, he said that debates and discussions on issues relating to people’s welfare are encouraged in the Indian parliament.

Effective legislations are the outcome of constructive debates and discussions of Members cutting across party lines, an official statement said.

Birla said India was ready with an action plan to become a developed state by 2047.

"Rapid progress has already been made in addressing foundational issues relating to inclusive development."

Referring to the historical and close relationship between India and Suriname, he said that there was immense scope to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

He also called on the Speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname Marinus Bee.

An MoU was also signed between Lok Sabha Secretariat and Suriname National Assembly for cooperation in exchange of information and improved access to parliamentary archives and documents.

Another MoU was signed between The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and The Suriname Standards Bureau for standardization, marking and quality certification of goods. This will help in quality assurance and consumer empowerment in Suriname.