PANJIM: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Duarte Pacheco completed his two-day visit in the State, visiting the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Panjim and Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa on Thursday.
He and his team were given the tour by the Panjim Parish Priest and Rector of the Basilica respectively. Pacheco, who is also a Member of Parliament in Portugal speaking to the media said, “It’s impossible for any Portuguese to come to India and not visit Goa.”
Earlier, this week on Wednesday, the IPU President visited the Goa Legislative Assembly where he was received by Goa Speaker Rajesh Patnekar who gave him a tour and briefing about Goa’s political setup. Pacheco was also welcomed by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat.
Pacheco mentioned that India had supported his candidacy as IPU Chief. He added that one common factor across countries was the presence of a political will to create a better world irrespective of the prevailing political set up.
He also appreciated that the Goa Legislative Assembly complex was a modern structure. He said IPU can send experienced resource persons to help the Assembly and Parliament in areas where assistance is sought for.
Patnekar said this was an important moment for the State and he also congratulated Pacheco on his posting as IPU Chief and Portugal for getting this honour.
Pacheco was recently elected as the President of IPU, an international organisation of national parliaments, for a three-year term from 2021 to 2023.
He is visiting India at the invitation of the Parliament of India and also recently attended the Rajya Sabha proceedings.
