Srinagar, June 26 (IANS) Officials said on Friday that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Thursday discussed matters of mutual interest and intergovernmental cooperation with Bihar Assembly Speaker and Himachal Pradesh education minister, both of whom met him in Srinagar.

Officials said on Friday the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held separate meetings with distinguished visitors from Bihar and Himachal Pradesh at his residence in Srinagar, discussing issues of mutual interest and avenues for greater intergovernmental cooperation.

Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Dr. Prem Kumar, had called on CM Abdullah and during the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, emphasising the importance of strengthening inter-governmental cooperation, democratic institutions and the exchange of legislative best practices.

The Chief Minister welcomed the Speaker to Jammu and Kashmir and wished him a pleasant stay.

Later, Himachal Pradesh Minister for School Education, Rohit Thakur, called on the Chief Minister. He was accompanied by State Project Director Rajesh Sharma; Director, School Education, Himachal Pradesh, Ashish Kumar Kohli; Additional Secretary School Education (HP), Anil Chauhan and faculty members associated with Samagra Shiksha, Himachal Pradesh.

The meeting featured a constructive exchange of views on key initiatives in the education sector, with discussions focussing on strengthening school education, promoting innovation in teaching and learning, enhancing institutional collaboration and facilitating the sharing of best practices between the two Himalayan regions.

Chief Minister Abdullah underscored the importance of quality education as the cornerstone of sustainable development and highlighted the value of intergovernmental collaboration in improving learning outcomes.

He expressed confidence that such engagements would further deepen cooperation between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in the field of education and contribute to the adoption of innovative and effective educational practices.

Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Members of Legislative Assembly Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed and Mushtaq Guroo and other officials were also present during the occasion.

–IANS

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