New Delhi: India and Uruguay are exploring
avenues to increase cooperation in areas like industry,
infrastructure and information technology.
The issues came up for discussion during the four-day
visit by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar which concluded
yesterday.
The 5-member delegation led by her held talks with Danilo
Astori, the President of the Senate and Vice President of
Uruguay, and Luis Lacalle Pou, the President of the House of
representatives, a release from Lok Sabha secretariat said.
During the visit, Kumar stressed upon strengthening the
friendly relations between the two countries and complimented
Uruguay for its 9 per cent growth despite global economic
recession.
Astori emphasised the importance of direct contact at
various levels between the two countries especially in sectors
such as infrastructure and information technology.
The visit also saw the formation of India-Uruguay
Friendship Group in the Uruguayan Parliament consisting of 10
members drawn from both Houses there. In Indian Parliament,
the friendship group consisting of 21 members had been formed
earlier.
During the interaction with leaders of the host country,
Kumar profusely used Spanish language striking instant connect
with them.
A former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Kumar was
posted in Spain where she got a chance to fine-tune her
Spanish skills.
Astroi and Pou thanked the Indian Parliamentary delegation
for the visit noting that such tours were very useful for
further deepening and strengthening of ties, the statement
said.
Pou hoped that Uruguay could be a base for setting up
industrial units by Indian companies, which may facilitate
future expansion in other countries in Latin America.
PTI
