Canberra CM meets Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, discusses health, education

The chief minister of Australia's capital Canberra, Andrew Barr, met his counterpart Arvind Kejriwal here on Monday and discussed a range of issues, with the key focus being on health and education.

The visiting chief minister was accompanied by a delegation comprising his ministerial colleagues and Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to India, Rodney Hilton. The meeting was held at the Delhi Secretariat.

"The two cities are capitals and have a lot in common. Canberra is a very small city by Indian standards. It is now the sixth largest Australian city and is emerging as a international leader in several areas, particularly health and education.

"We have just had a very productive discussion about right policy settings to encourage basic health and education outcomes," Barr told PTI after the meeting.

He said this mission provides an opportunity for further engagement between the two national capitals to strengthen the India-Australia relationship.

"Our particular areas of focus are health, education, tourism, and research and development. I think there is a lot of potential for further partnership," Barr said.

"I will be in Delhi looking to further build on those strong ties with particular stress on university engagement and partnership, and tourism promotion," he said.

According to an official statement issued by the Delhi government, Kejriwal after the meeting stated, "Had a very productive meeting with the chief minister of the capital city of Australia."