The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jitendra Singh today met Ireland's Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to exchange views on issues related to the development of youngsters in both the countries.
Besides Singh and Frances Fitzgerald T D, Feilim McLaughlin, Ambassador of Ireland, and Nita Chowdhury (Secretary, Youth Affairs Government of India) were also present during the meeting.
Singh spoke about the programmes being run by the Indian Government to encourage volunteerism amongst the youth in the country, while Chowdhury elaborated upon the achievements of National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs) in recent years.
Singh also stressed on the need for greater cooperation and dialogue between India and Ireland in the field of youth affairs, and Fitzgerald T D welcomed the suggestion.
Both the leaders agreed to initiate youth exchange programmes between the two countries.
The Irish Minister mentioned that both nations have a lot to learn from each other's experiences as both have similar youth profiles and face similar youth related issues.
She also invited the Indian students to come and study in Irish Universities.
