'You are a great city and host', PM Modi tells people of Brisbane

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told the people of Brisbane, where the two-day long G-20 Summit ended today, that they had proved to the world what a great city and hosts they were.

"This week you have shown the world what a great city and host you are," Prime Minister Modi said at a civic reception organized in his honour at City Hall here.

"I truly welcome the engagement between states and cities, the relationship can only prosper this way. Here, in this reception, I feel the sentiment of friendship and promise partnership in years to come, I thank you for the warmth," the Prime Minister said amid chants of his name by the crowd.

Premier Campbell of Queensland, who was also present on the occasion, lauded Prime Minister Modi saying, "Sir, you have absolute fans in this city. Our relationship with India is going to spring forward in an unprecedented way."

The Prime Minister also added that Queensland was at the forefront of relations between India and Australia.

"Queensland is at the forefront of relations between India and Australia. Earlier today, I had the privilege to unveil the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Brisbane. This has added an emotional bond to the relations between India and Australia. This is a symbol of the values we share. The ideas we aspire to. The world we wish to build. The credit for this strong partnership between India and Queensland goes to your Premier and Lord Mayor," he pointed out.

Prime Minister Modi also said it was natural for Brisbane and Hyderabad to have sister city relations and it was important to involve states in international engagements, while adding the next dialogue will be held in Sydney.