Good to have cordial relations with geographical neighbours: Vice-President Hamid Ansari

It is always "good and relaxing" if the relations between geographical neighbours remain "cordial", Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said.

"Even if we take our individual selves, we do not get an opportunity to choose our neighbours, each one of us have to one day or the other go through some differences or clashes", Ansari said.

He was interacting with students of Banasthali Vidhyapeeth in neighbouring Tonk district, on his second day of visit.

"Same is the situation at the country level, I do not believe in terminologies like "back office" or "front office" but if we try we can together be competitive force. It is always good and relaxing if the relations remain cordial between the geographical neighbourers", he said.

Replying to a question, and without naming any country, the vice-president "cautioned" about not getting "euphoric" about bilateral visits and exchanges.

"All these bilateral visits, talks, exchanges are a step in that direction. Still I would like to add that we can not be euphoric about the entire scenario and every step should be taken with caution", he said.

On a question whether 21st century would be the Asian Century, VP said, "If we take certain parameters like the economic parameter, political, then I would say yes, it will be. But there is a wide gap between "what is" and "what should be". So how well and at what speed the countries and the people of Asia bridge the gap shall decide whether 21st century would be Asia's century or not".

On a question related to human rights abuse, when asked, VP said, "Violation of human rights, be it done by non-state actors or by any individual has to be condemned. Any such violation should never take place at any level".