Terrorism `major threat` to freedom, peace and security: Patil

Priyanka Tikoo
Warsaw, Apr 25 (PTI) Observing that terrorism poses a
"major threat" to the values of freedom, democracy,
international peace and security, India has sought Poland's
cooperation in confronting the menace unitedly as it
appreciated Warsaw's "unreserved condemnation" of the Mumbai
terror strikes.

President Pratibha Patil, who is on a state visit
here, said India and Poland share common values of freedom,
human rights and democracy.

"International terrorism poses a major threat to these
values and to international peace and security. We need to
confront the menace of terrorism unitedly.
"We deeply appreciate in this context, Poland's
unreserved condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai
last November," Patil said, addressing a banquet hosted in her
honour by her Polish counterpart Lech Kacynski Friday night.
She said both India and Poland believe that there is
an "urgent need" to reform the United Nations to make it more
compatible with contemporary realities.
"Both India and Poland are committed to the principles
enshrined in the UN charter. Our two countries cooperate well
in the international fora," she said and appreciated Poland's
support for India's candidature for a permanent seat on an
expanded UN Security Council.
Patil also thanked Poland for its support for an
"unconditional India-specific waiver" by the Nuclear Suppliers
Group (NSG) last September.
Noting that relations between India and Poland have
been traditionally close and cordial, Patil said the bilateral
trade could benefit from greater focus on mutual comparative
advantages.
"I do hope that the accompanying business delegation
from India has managed to network with their Polish
counterparts so that the full potential of the trade and
economic relations between the two countries is realised," she
said.
The trade between India and Poland last year stood at
USD 1.27 billion, registering an increase of 48 per cent over
the previous year.
Indian exports to Poland amounted to USD 976 million
while the country imported USD 299 million worth of goods from
the east European nation.
The President said the two countries have shared
civilisational bonds for centuries and that the Polish
language also has some connectivity with Sanskrit.
"There is thus very useful foundation to enable us to
enhance our cultural and people-to-people contacts. More and
more Indians wish to visit Poland," she said.
Patil also emphasised the need for academic and
student exchanges and more cooperation and exchange of films
and television programmes.
The President said India seeks to build a peaceful and
prosperous world.
"....this (general elections) is, indeed, a gigantic
exercise involving an electorate of over 714 million people.
Our robust democracy gives every Indian the right to have a
say in the kind of government they want to have to run their
affairs," she said.
Patil is currently in Poland as part of her two-nation
week-long tour that has also taken her to Spain. PTI