NEW DELHI - Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has said his country fully supports Afghanistan's efforts to restore peace and prosperity and combat cross-border terrorism.

Speaking at a banquet hosted in the honor of President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday night, Mukherjee said their common values search for peace had brought India and Afghanistan together in a strategic partnership.

"Past, present and future of these two countries bind them together," he said, hoping that their shared conviction and faith in peace and progress would help Afghanistan and India defeat terrorism and uncertainty.

A former finance minister, Mukherjee said: "Both countries agree on the need for greater international cooperation against terrorism, especially cross border terrorism emanating from the terrorist sanctuaries."

India's development initiatives in Afghanistan were aimed at helping the government in Kabul increase its capacity and to enable the Afghan people to stand on their own feet and to be the makers of their own destiny.

India would continue to partner with Afghanistan in its reconstruction and development, based on the needs and requirements of its government and people, the president added. "India is ready to join hands with other countries in making Afghanistan a focal point of cooperation in development."

He believed Afghanistan could emerge as a hub of regional cooperation binding the world in common endeavors. India would always be there to assist the friendly people of Afghanistan and to further strengthen the strategic relationship. (Pajhwok)