SAARC condemns terrorism, violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations

Expressing their strong determination to deepen regional integration for peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia by intensifying cooperation in various areas including security, the heads of government unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations.

As the theme of the Summit was 'Deeper Integration for Peace and Prosperity', the participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of SAARC for ensuring the welfare and quality of life of the people of South Asia.

The heads of government recognized that after nearly thirty years of its existence, it is time to reinvigorate SAARC's regional cooperation and revitalize SAARC as an effective vehicle to fulfill the developmental aspirations of the people of South Asia.

"The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations and underlined the need for effective cooperation among the Member States to combat them. They directed respective authorities to ensure full and effective implementation of the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol, including through enacting necessary legislations at the national level to root out terrorism," said the Kathmandu Declaration.

"They reiterated their call for an early conclusion of a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. They agreed to take effective measures to combat illicit trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances, arms smuggling, money laundering, counterfeit currency and other transnational crimes," the declaration added.

The SAARC leaders also agreed to establish a cyber crime monitoring desk.