Namibian parliamentary delegation calls on Shekhawat

New Delhi, Dec 12 (UNI) Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today appreciated the support extended by Namibia for India's candidature for a permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.

Mr Shekhawat conveyed it to a parliamentary delegation from Namibia, led by its National Assembly Speaker Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab, which called on him called in Parliament House.

Welcoming the delegation, Mr Shekhawat, who is also Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said the visit of the Namibian delegation would further ''strengthen the existing friendly and historic relations between our two countries as also our parliaments''.

He said there had been high-level bilateral visits at the executive and parliamentary levels, reflecting bilateral support and commitment of the two countries.

''Like India, Namibia has rich democratic traditions and both our parliaments are committed to our shared values of democracy and rule of law. The Parliament of Namibia, like ours, has been performing a leading role in Namibia's nation-building efforts,'' he said, observing that the parliamentary exchanges were an important component of bilateral bilateral relations.

''We are keen to develop our relations,'' he added.

Pointing out that Namibia is a partner country under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme under which substantial assistance had been provided, Mr Shekhawat reiterated India's commitment to promote bilateral trade and commerce.

''We are convinced that trade and investment between our two countries will grow to their fullest potential,'' he said.

The Vice-President opined that educational and cultural cooperation was an important component of the Indo-Namibian relations and lauded the Indian involvement in the development of higher educational system in that country.

Dr Guriarb underlined the need for greater people to people contact between India and Namibia and said it should be more so in case of parliamentarians.

He also said Namibia was keen to further develop bilateral ties with India.

UNI/SKS RR RN1919