New Zealand congratulates Inter-Parliamentary Union President

The New Zealand Parliament today congratulates Mr Saber Chowdhury, a member of the Bangladesh Parliament, on his election to the post of President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The President is the political head of the organisation that is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue, peace and cooperation. Mr Chowdhury was elected at the 131st IPU Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, 12- 16 October 2014, at which Speaker Rt Hon David Carter MP and Lindsay Tisch MP were present.

Mr Chowdhury is the 28th President of the organisation in its 125-year history.

“He brings to the IPU firm views on human rights, the rule of law, and the value of parliamentary democracy, as well as a thorough understanding of the workings of the organisation and its membership”, said Rt Hon David Carter, Speaker of the House of Representatives. “The New Zealand Parliament welcomes Mr Chowdhury to his new post and looks forward to the increased interaction of the IPU with the Pacific region.

“I also offer our best wishes to Dr Abdelwahad Radi, Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, who has been President since 2011. During Dr Radi’s tenure the IPU adopted its strategy to build an IPU that is universal, dynamic, effective, and able to advance democratic culture, values and institutions through cooperation among parliaments, including by strengthening the IPU’s relationship with the United Nations. I know that Mr Chowdhury will continue to lead the IPU on this path.”

Mr Chowdhury has been elected for a three-year term.

ENDS

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