By IANS,
New Delhi : President Pratibha Devisinh Patil Saturday described Kazakhstan as India’s “valuable partner” in its fight against terrorism, while thanking the Central Asian nation for its strong condemnation of the Mumbai mayhem.
“We regard Kazakhstan as a valuable partner in this fight against terrorism,” Patil said in her speech at a banquet in honour of Kazakhstan President Noorsultan Nazarbayev, who will attend the Republic Day Parade here Jan 26 as the chief guest.
“We are deeply touched by the words of condemnation expressed by Kazakhstan on the terrorist attacks that took place in November last year,” the president said, adding: “Your words of support reinforced our resolve to firmly deal with the menace of terrorism, which requires coordinated efforts globally.”
Tracing the “historical linkages” between India and Kazakhstan as evident by the fact that the two countries interacted via the fabled Silk Route and that the Buddha’s images have been found etched on the banks of the Ili river, Patil said: “India is committed to take forward its historical linkages into the future by developing a multi-faceted and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Praising Kazakhstan’s “remarkable progress in a short period”, Patil added: “This progress is not merely economic growth, but overall development of Kazakhstan as a nation” and congratulated President Nazarbayev for this.
Patil also noted India-Kazakhstan cooperation in various sectors including energy security, hydrocarbons and civilian nuclear energy, and thanked the visiting president for promoting these links.