Asia, Africa to cooperate in tackling all forms of terrorism in Jakarta

JAKARTA: Ahead of a two-day summit of Heads of State of Asia and Africa, their Foreign Ministers today finalised resolutions to be adopted which call for concrete forms of cooperation to deal with the menace of terrorism, its financing and countering the use of internet by jihadists for terror purposes.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is representing India at the Asia-Africa Conference here in the Indonesian capital, participated in the meeting ahead of the summit which finalised the agenda for the summit.

After hectic parleys among ministers and diplomats, the countries have agreed on two resolutions -- Bandung Message 2015 and declaration of Re-invigorating New Asia-Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP) -- which condemns terrorism.

These resolutions will be adopted by the Heads of State tomorrow while a third resolution supporting "independence" of Palestine is likely to be adopted on April 24.

The countries have expressed commitment to develop "concrete forms of cooperation" in countering the appeal of terrorism, violent extremism, the financing of terrorism including payment of ransom.

They also pledged to cooperate in countering the use of internet for terrorist purposes as well as promoting and protecting human rights while countering terrorism.

"We reiterate the need to enhance inter-regional co- operation and co-ordination in order to develop inclusive and effective strategies to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and integrated manner," the draft resolution on NAASP said.

India is participating in the 60th commemoration of the historical 1955 Asian-African Conference, which became the stepping stone for setting up the Non-Aligned Movement during Cold War-era.

Several leaders of Asia and Africa have arrived here to discuss the issues concerning the two continents which form 75 per cent of the world population and 30 per cent of the total global GDP.

In the draft, the countries have agreed to bolster endeavours to combat transnational organised crime activities and terrorism, including their increased linkages that adversely affect development, political stability and social and cultural values.