President Patil lauds Tajikistan's support in fight against terrorism

Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Sep.7 (ANI): Visiting Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Monday underlined the need for countering the threat posed by terrorists, and lauded the Government of Tajikistan's support to India in the fight against terrorism.

In a statement issued after delegation-level talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, President Patil also underlined the importance of Indo-Tajik friendship.

She said: "Our region is today beset by the menace of terrorism . Terrorism , extremism and fundamentalism are posing a serious threat to the peace and security in our region , be it India , Afghanistan, or Tajikistan."

Recalling the horror of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, she said: "The propagation of intolerance and hatred and the resultant terrorism, is the greatest threat to world peace and security in the post-Cold war era. The terrorist attack in Mumbai last year was one more manifestation of terrorism in our region.

It is imperative that all governments of the region take urgent , proactive measures to cooperate and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, so that these forces do not derail the processes of progress and prosperity. We value the support of Tajikistan in the fight against terrorism."he Indian President also emphasised the need for focussing on human resource development.

She promised that India would continue to provide training and skills in the field of IT , entrepreneural skills , defence training , English language , management and so on.

Patil termed the Central Asian region as India's "extended neighbourhood" and that is for that reason that "The central Asian region figures very high in our foreign policy priorities."

The President also said that bilateral relations with Tajikistan should be " multifaceted " and cover wide ranging areas from cooperation in the field of education and culture to investment and enhanced business transactions.

Tajikistan , a small and poor country , has great importance for India as far as security and strategic issues are concerned.

India's first overseas military base is in Tajikistan, thus making it the fourth nation after the US , Russia and Germany to have a military base in Central Asia. The Farkhor Air base was constructed by the Indians and became fully operational in 2006. Pakistan has viewed this development as a threat.

The border of Tajikistan touches Afghanistan, China and a small part of Pakistan.

India's friendly ties with Tajikistan therefore can be understood.

Presiednt Patil will be the chief guest at Tajikistan's Independence Day ceremony tomorrow. By Pankaj Choudhary (ANI)