Govt committed to forging mutually respectable ties with Pak: President

New Delhi, Feb 23: President Pranab Mukherjee today said the government is committed to forging a "mutually respectful relationship" with Pakistan while asserting that "firm and effective" steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.

In his customary address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament outlining the government's agenda in the coming financial year, he said the government is fully committed to firmly dealing with all challenges concerning the security of the country. "Terrorism is a global threat and strong counter measures are necessary worldwide to eradicate it completely," Mukherjee said, congratulating the security forces for successfully foiling the recent terror attack at the Pathankot air base.

He said, "Firm and effective steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism." Turning to Pakistan, the President said the government is committed to forging a "mutually respectful relationship" with Pakistan and in creating an environment of cooperation in combating cross-border terrorism.

"My government believes in a secure and prosperous future for our neighbourhood", he said, adding that "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The world is one family" is the principle to which the government is committed. "Its expression is most resonant in the steps we have taken in reaching out to our neighbours," he said at the outset.

PTI