BIMSTEC countries call for jointly combating terrorism

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The member states of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for active participation in combating the global menace.

According to the Kathmandu Declaration adopted during the two-day summit, the member countries recognised that terrorism and transnational organised crimes continue to pose a great threat to international peace and security, including in the BIMSTEC countries, and stressed that combating the same required sustained efforts, cooperation and comprehensive approach involving active participation and collaboration.

The member states reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism and called upon all countries to devise a comprehensive approach in this regard, which should include preventing financing of terrorists and terrorist actions from territories under their control, blocking recruitment and cross-border movement of terrorists, countering radicalisation, countering misuse of internet for purposes of terrorism and dismantling terrorist safe havens.

The BIMSTEC countries affirmed that the fight against terrorism should target not only terrorists, terror organisations, and networks, but also identify and hold accountable states and non-state entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuaries to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues.

The member states reiterated their position that terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and reaffirmed the strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agree to take appropriate measures in this regard.

The statement continued, "(We) look forward to the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, call upon the member states for its early ratification and express satisfaction that many countries have ratified the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime, and Illicit Drug Trafficking and call upon the remaining member state to do so."

The BIMSTEC countries expressed their determination to strengthen cooperation and coordination among the law enforcement, intelligence, and security agencies, and decided to hold meetings at the level of BIMSTEC Home Ministers and continue with the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs meetings as part of promoting cooperation and coordination on counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. They also welcomed Thailand's offer to host the third meeting of the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs in March 2019.