French Local Govt Minister calls on Delhi UD Minister

New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) A four-member French delegation led by Local Government Minister Brice Hortefeux today called on Delhi Urban Development Minister A K Walia in his office at Delhi Secretariat here.

The visiting minister expressed his keen desire to have sister-city relationship with Delhi. Dr Walia told members of the delegation that the issue was under consideration in the External Affairs Ministry and would be expedited.

Mr Hortefeux gave details of administrative set-up of the capital-city of Paris where most of the powers were transferred to the local self government after 1977.

The relationship between Mayor of Paris and French government of was also quite complicated. Most of the services were being out-sourced, keeping in view the needs of the people, the visiting minister said.

He also discussed various avenues to explore possibility of cooperation between the two cities.

On his side, Dr Walia gave details of administrative set up of the capital city of Delhi. He also apprised members of the delegation about the fast-changing face of Delhi with the upcoming flyovers, widened roads and Foot Over Bridges with escalators.

He added that Delhi was proud to attain status of having the largest fleet of CNG-run public transport system, which had helped in curbing air-pollution.

Dr Walia further said Delhi government wanted to provide a reliable and modern public transport system to ensure its utilisation by 80 per cent of people for which Delhi Metro was being extended and monorail and HCBS being introduced.

He also mentioned the state government's achievements in the field of power and water supply.

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