New Delhi: Pledging a united fight against international terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 4 said mutual understanding and co-operation would promote security and prosperity of both countries and contribute to universal peace and stability.

"Our countries share common views on the key issues in global politics. We are jointly fighting international terrorism which has challenged our civilisation," Putin said at the banquet hosted in his honour by President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Stating that disagreements or conflicts have never overshadowed the long-standing Russian-Indian friendship, Putin said the two countries were ready to co-operate in promoting Human Rights, global and regional stability and sustainable development.

"We intent to create new opportunities in our bilateral trade and economic co- operation. Our overall objective is to promote public and business initiatives of our citizens," he said.

Citing Mahatma Gandhi's remarks that "if we want to achieve success, we should not repeat history, but create a new one", Putin said both the countries were seeking to work in accordance with these words "by conceiving and implementing future-oriented plans".

PTI