By Binsal Abdulkader

ABU DHABI, 22nd February 2022 (WAM) -- India and the UAE can play a key role in strengthening the international legal frameworks against terrorism, a top Indian official told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Om Birla, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian parliament, made this comment while condemning the recent terrorist attacks by Houthi militias on the UAE.

In an exclusive interview with WAM at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, he said, "India strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. I condemn in the strongest terms the recent terror attacks on the UAE, and I wish to convey my solidarity with the UAE Government to counter terrorism."

Joint role in international discourse

"I also believe that our countries can be critical drivers of international discourse, rule and policy making against terrorism and in the global fight against terrorism," stressed Birla, pointing out that both India and the UAE are currently non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation on an official visit to the UAE.

The Indian official congratulated the UAE government on the way it defended the country against the attacks. The official mourned two Indians who lost their lives in one of the attacks and thanked the UAE leadership and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for their sincere support and assistance to the families of the deceased.

"I wish to assure my fellow Indians living the UAE that this country is one of the safest countries in the world. Indians have played an important role in the growth and development of the UAE, and they should continue doing so without fear or worry," he emphasised.

Historic address at FNC

Birla addressed the Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday. "This is the first ever official visit by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the first time an Indian speaker addressing the Federal National Council. This reflects the close relations between our countries, and I hope we will continue to build upon this strong foundation."

The parliamentary friendship committees on both sides will work on priority areas to further enhance bilateral cooperation, the official added.

"We will continue to engage in all possible areas of cooperation including exchange of parliamentary expertise and knowledge, as well as views and political opinions on various parliamentary activities."

India and UAE have been strong partners in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the partnership of the two countries in various international forum will continue to grow, the Speaker said.

Asked whether cooperation with the UAE’s parliament will act as a bridge for India to other parliaments in the Arab world, Birla answered, "The Arab region has a large number of Indian diaspora and I hope that our partnership in all areas will continue to grow."

Women in parliament, CEPA

The speaker congratulated the FNC for having 50 percent representation of women among its members. "This is a great initiative, which continues to inspire institutions across the world."

Asked about India’s efforts to enhance women’s representation in parliament, he said, "Women empowerment is an important commitment of the Government of India. It may be noted that the Government of India follows a strict reservation policy for the participation of women in the local self-governing institutions."

Birla’s visit comes a few days after India and UAE signed key strategic agreements, including a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Vision Document.

"The CEPA will help us tap the immense opportunities to further enhance the level of bilateral trade and investments. The public as well as private sector in both our countries are extremely excited about the prospects that are opened by CEPA," he said.

"With the CEPA, there will be more areas of expansion and our cooperation will increase further."

Large Indian diaspora reflects strong ties

The relations between the two nations date back to decades with strong cultural and trade linkages.

"This large diaspora reflects the strength of our people-to-people engagement. I am aware of the Indian nationals who have been here for three to four generations," he said.

"I am very proud of the achievements of my fellow Indians here in the UAE. They also play a very strong role in the growth of the local economies of their hometowns as well."

Expo 2020 Dubai

The Speaker is looking forward to visiting Expo 2020 Dubai, especially the UAE and India pavilions. "I have heard so much about them. The success of the Expo also shows that mankind is forever hopeful and together we can face any adversity."

The Dubai Expo 2020 is the first mega event since the start of the pandemic, he pointed out. "I wish to congratulate the UAE Government for organising the Expo 2020 in such a splendid way. People from all over the world have been able to see the Expo in a safe and secure manner."

 

WAM/ Ibrahim Shukralla