India, Tajikistan opposed to all forms of terrorism: President Mukherjee

New Delhi [India], Dec. 18 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee has said that both India and Tajikistan are opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "As neighbours with a shared vision of peace and stability in our region, we both desire to strengthen our defence and security co-operation in order to effectively address our concerns. The world - and particularly our region, is, today, faced by the growing threat of terrorism. Both India and Tajikistan are opposed to this menace in all its forms and manifestations," President Mukherjee said yesterday in his banquet speech hosted in honour of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. Asserting that development and progress of India's utmost importance, President Mukherjee said the people of the nation as secular and pluralistic societies, desire to live in peace. "For us, development and progress of our nations is of utmost importance. We are also committed to assist our mutual friend and neighbour, Afghanistan, to realise the goals and aspirations of its people - through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process," he added. Welcoming the President of Tajikistan to India, the President said his visit to the nation is on the eve of the 25th anniversary of India-Tajikistan diplomatic relations. "It bears testimony to the abiding friendship between the two nations and the value that we attach to our bilateral relations. India was among first countries to recognise emergence of Tajikistan on dissolution of the former Soviet Union. Over the last 24 years, we have had a fruitful co-operation," he added. President Mukherjee said India recognizes the Tajikitan President's role in ensuring peace and stability in Tajikistan which has a similar salutary effect in the region. Subsequently, in his banquet speech, President Mukherjee said India appreciates the close co-operation that we have in the United Nations and other international organizations. "India is grateful for Tajikistan's support for her rightful claim to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and its membership of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation," he added. (ANI)