NEW DELHI - Stating that the combating of terrorism and extremism is and should be the number one priority of all nations, including the United States and India, Visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told students of Delhi University that this issue should be resolved democratically.

“Combating terrorism and extremism is our number one challenge. We must resolve this issue through a democratic process,” she said.

“I was there when the 9/11-terror attack happened, and I believe, that we should work to try to avoid such attacks on us or anyone else. We need to be builders not destroyers. It is easy to destroy, but hard to build,” she added.

Stressing the need for bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, Clinton said that she shared New Delhi’s views on fighting terror, but reiterated that Pakistan has been making a real effort to fight terror.

“I hope we can find more ways to enhance people to people connection particularly in this region and I believe that it holds great promise,” she added.

Clinton is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Later, she will meet Leader of Opposition, L.K.Advani at the latter’s 30, Prithiviraj Road official residence. She will also meet Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at 5.30 pm..

In the evening, she will meet External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at Hyderabad House. This will be followed by a signing of agreements and a brief interaction with the media.

Clinton will leave for Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday morning. (ANI)