Thursday, February 16 2006 12:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: While India remained concerned over infiltration and cross-border terrorism, President A P J Abdul Kalam today (Feb 16 2006) said the Government was committed to a composite dialogue process with Pakistan.

"There has also been good progress in increased people-to-people contacts and bilateral trade with all our neighbours, including Pakistan," Kalam said while addressing a joint sitting of Parliament.

He said the spontaneous outpouring of sympathy and assistance from the people of India for the victims of the earthquake in Pakistan underlines the goodwill among the people of the two countries.

"While we remain concerned over infiltration and cross border terrorism and expect Pakistan to fulfill its commitments in this regard, we reiterate our commitment to the composite dialogue process with Pakistan," Kalam said.

He termed the opening of new bus links between Amritsar and Lahore and Amritsar and Nankana Sahib and rail link between Khokrapar and Munabao were further steps in promoting people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

The President said the foreign policy of the Government continued to be guided by "enlightened national interest". Referring to SAARC, he said India regarded it as an important forum for regional cooperation and "we look forward to Afghanistan joining SAARC as its eighth member."

He said that the Government had taken several steps to improve relations with neighbouring countries. "The landmark visit of the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh) to Afghanistan in August 2005 has reinforced our commitment to help in the reconstruction of Afghanistan."