Asean: Terrorism has no race or religion

Asean leaders have adopted a joint declaration to reject any attempts to associate terrorism with any religion, race or nationality.

In the Asean-Japan joint declaration for co-operation to combat international terrorism, the leaders agreed to strengthen measures to counter and prevent the financing of terrorists and terrorist organisations, including the use of alternative means of remittance such as illegal money transfer.

At the 10th Asean Summit yesterday, the leaders agreed to implement appropriate measures that would ensure that terrorists would not use charitable organisations and groups to cover their activities.

The member countries and Japan also pledged to counter international terrorism through information exchange, intelligence sharing and capacity building.

They agreed with the need to strengthen information exchange and law enforcement co-operation on the activities of terrorists and terrorist organisations, including through extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters to bring terrorists to justice.

In the fight against terrorism, the leaders will adhere to the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other states.

The leaders also recognise that the threat of terrorism remains a global security concern and determined to address the threat posed by terrorists to the peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.

They also reaffirmed that the United Nations should play a major role in combating terrorism.

The leaders also issued joint declarations on co-operation with China, India, Korea, Australia and New Zealand in political, economic and social relations.

The Asean-Australia and New Zealand joint declaration provides for the launching of the Asean-Australia and New Zealand free trade agreement early next year.

The Asean-India and Asean-Korea joint declaration also call for closer trade relations through the free trade agreements.

The Asean-China joint declaration deals with the realisation of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement by 2010 and co-operation to facilitate trade and investment flows.