Lok Sabha Speaker discusses terrorism with New Zealand PM

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, on an official visit to New Zealand, raised the issue of state-sponsored terrorism with acting Prime Minister of New Zealand Bill English, an official statement said.

Mahajan, who is leading an Indian parliamentary delegation to New Zealand, called on English on Tuesday.

During the meeting, she raised the issue of state-sponsored terrorism, stating that India has long been a victim of the dastardly attacks by cross-border terrorists.

The Lok Sabha Speaker urged that all the peace loving countries in the world should come together to fight terrorism and stressed that it is time to isolate the countries which harbour terrorists.

She added that India is historically and traditionally a follower of non-violence, which believes in living together in harmony to promote prosperity, friendship and peace across the world.

In her meeting with Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives David Carter, Mahajan noted that both India and New Zealand have a healthy tradition of parliamentary exchanges and cooperation.

The Speaker said this has added to the friendship and goodwill between the two countries and India looks forward to sustaining this momentum.

She also commended the Indian diaspora for playing a constructive and meaningful role in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

--IANS

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