APEC leaders condemn terrorism

At the end of the two-day summit, leaders of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation condemned all acts of terrorism and urged for closer global cooperation in the fight against extremist violence.

A communique issued by APEC heads of state on Thursday did not refer to the territorial dispute among Asian nations in the South China Sea, but included the string of attacks on Paris, Beirut and on the Russian aircraft over Sinai.

Highlighting their concerns over the impact of terrorism on their economies, the APEC leaders called for unity amid the global scourge, which they said needs “urgent” and “increased” international cooperation.

"We strongly condemn all acts, methods, and practices of terrorism in all their forms and manifestations. We will not allow terrorism to threaten the fundamental values that underpin our free and open economies,” according to the declaration obtained by GMA News Online.

The statement veered from the typical APEC declarations focusing on trade and investments.

/By AzerTac/