New Delhi, March 14 : An Austrian Parliamentary delegation on Monday met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, at Parliament House Complex and had a discussion with him on the issue of 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. Birla also expressed concern over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and said that India seeks the establishment of peace in Ukraine through diplomatic efforts, Lok Sabha Secretariat comm qué said. 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 the 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 per cent by the year 2030. He expressed faith that regular meetings between parliamentary delegations would further enhance mutual understanding between the two countries and their peoples. 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. The Delegation led by Wolfgang Sobotka, President of the Austrian National Council, 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 on Ministers, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were also present on the occasion, Lok Sabha Secretariat comm qué said. CM RKM
