New Delhi: Observing that terrorism was among the many challenges faced by several nations, President A P J Abdul Kalam today (July 9, 2004) said the economic prosperity of a few countries has not led to lasting peace in the world.

"Many nations are experiencing the problems of injected terrorism. The young people of the planet dream of living in the land of opportunities and happiness. We have also seen that the economic prosperity of a few nations alone has not brought lasting peace to the world," he said after conferring the 2003 Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding to Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

Kalam said it was essential in such a situation to "evolve the principle of enlightened citizenship based on Asian ethos", comprising value-based education, religious spirituality and economic prosperity.

In his acceptance speech, Goh sought enhancing of connectivity among the people of the region to bring them closer and spread ideas, technology and culture.

He said the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) India is currently negotiating with Singapore, Thailand and the ASEAN, would benefit them and become the stepping stones for evolution of an Asian economic community, by bringing together South Asia, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. "This is my long-term vision for Asia", Goh said.