National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal, who is in Geneva, Switzerland in connection with attending the 149th Assembly of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), had separate meetings with Dr Tulia Ackson, President of the IPU and Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU.
Matters relating to strengthening Nepal-IPU relations and enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation in the regional and global context were discussed during the meetings held on Monday, the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva stated in a press release.
Mutual collaboration between the Federal Parliament of Nepal and the IPU, exchange of cooperation and the role of the parliament in strengthening democracy, among other topics, figured in both meetings.
The Federal Parliament upper house chairman opined that the various assemblies and programmes of IPU have helped in making the parliamentary role effective through an exchange of dialogue, partnership and good practices on democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, sustainable development, among other topics.
He expressed Nepal's desire for deeper collaboration with IPU for further refining its parliamentary practices and strengthening the democratic institutions. Stating that Nepal attaches high priority to its relations with IPU, Chairman Dahal said Nepal's participation too is necessary in the IPU Secretariat. He urged the IPU to carry out homework to this end.
Noting that Nepal has adopted an inclusive and proportional system through its constitution issued from the Constituent Assembly for ensuring the representation of women, minorities and marginalized communities, the National Assembly Chair stated that the Federal Parliament has 33 per cent and the local levels 41 per cent participation of women representatives.
On the occasion, IPU President Ackson appreciated Nepal's active participation in the IPU since long, lauding the 33 per cent women representation in the Federal Parliament of Nepal. She said that she is positive to include Nepal in the IPU Secretariat.
The IPU Assembly will conclude on October 17.
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