"We reemphasized the importance of working toward acceding and ratifying the relevant instruments on counter-terrorism," President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a joint statement, thus closing the 18th ASEAN Summit here on Sunday.
The ASEAN leaders were reported to have reached an agreement to continue promoting the effective implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Plan of Action on Counter Terrorism and to develop initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of terrorism and conditions that are conducive to terrorism and to promote cooperation on de-radicalization and interfaith dialogue.
"We expressed the view that these efforts will also contribute to the implementation of the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy," the President said in his capacity as the ASEAN chair.
However, the ASEAN leaders also expressed their concern at the increasing cases of trafficking in persons and people smuggling.
Hence the victims of trafficking, mainly vulnerable women and children have a fundamental right to be protected in accordance with the international law and relevant international conventions.
"We among ASEAN member countries have agreed to enhance further cooperation within existing framework and instruments which are consistent with national laws and regulation," the president said.
They also acknowledged with appreciation the work of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crimes which specified concrete actions to mitigate the problems of irregular movement of people, in particular people smuggling and trafficking in persons.
Furthermore, Yudhoyono said the leaders also recognized the need for greater regional coordination on anti-drug effort given the cross-border and transnational nature of illegal drug activities.
In order to meet the vision of a Drug-Free ASEAN by 2015, the ASEAN leaders were reported to have highlighted the need to fully and effectively implement the ASEAN Work Plan on Combating illicit drug production, trafficking and use for 2009-2015 through the conduct of specific programs and activities.(*)
(T. E002/AS/a014)
Editor: Ruslan Burhani
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
