Hello

Thank you to those of you who attended last Thursday’s press conference with the Premier and new Indian Consul General.

I can confirm this was the first time both men had met each other, at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner held at Rosehill Gardens.

The Premier welcomed the Consul and his family to Sydney and I have transcribed some of the comments made by Mr Baird last Thursday at the press conference. You may quote the Premier:

“Can I warmly welcome the Consul General. It’s fantastic to welcome not only him, but his wife and three children, who I understand have already started school.

 “We know how important the relationship is – not just Australia and India, but with New South Wales as the gateway from India into Australia. We spent a lot of time working on that relationship and what we have seen, certainly with the visit by from Prime Minister recently, is that the relationship is going from strength to strength.

 “My personal visit was very memorable across a range of events, there were many activities that we continue to work on together and I’m very hopeful of returning at the end of this year or early next year to continue those discussions and hopefully to see the Prime Minister again. 

“There are many things we can work on. I don’t need to tell you how important the relationship is so it’s fantastic to have the Consul General on the ground. 

“We’re very keen as a Government to wish everyone a happy Holi Festival. 

“We know how important the festival is and I think it’s one of the great things that we have in this multicultural NSW is the opportunity to celebrate together. 

“It’s another festival that brings us together and we’re very proud to have many celebrations around the coming weeks so, Happy Holi Festival to everyone.”

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