Port-of-Spain, Jan 10 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has said parliamentary diplomacy was essential in framing any country's foreign policy because international ties were no longer confined to traditional diplomacy.

Addressing the 21st conference of speakers and presiding officers of Commonwealth in this capital of Trinidad and Tobago, Meira Kumar said parliaments have a "pivotal role" to play in foreign policy.

"International commitments have increased involvement of parliaments. International relations are no longer confined to traditional diplomacy. Parliamentarians are expected to have broader understanding of global concerns," the speaker said.

She said parliaments with a mandate of overseeing executive accountability can ensure people's concern in the matter of foreign affairs through various devices.

"National and international policies have a bearing on interconnections between globalization and daily lives. Regular contacts and effective linkages amongst the parliaments of the world is an extremely effective and dynamic channel for lasting goodwill and understanding amongst nations," she said.

The conference was inaugurated by President of Trinidad and Tobago George Maxwell Richards Monday.

Meira Kumar was giving the keynote address in the workshop "The role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in the era of globalization".

She said parliamentary diplomacy "encourages a consensual approach to resolve contentious issues".