Asian, African FMs highlight fight against terrorism

Foreign ministers from Asian and African countries have vowed to combat terrorism and drug trafficking ahead of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference.

"The ministers see the importance of peace and stability and the need to strengthen and combat transnational crime including terrorism and drug trafficking," said Retno Marsudi, foreign minister of the host nation Indonesia, on Monday.

During their speeches, a number of ministers stressed the importance of stepping up efforts to fight terrorism. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ebrahim Rahimpour said "terrorism and violent extremism" continued to affect the world.

"Violent extremism, enshrined in dangerous ideologies and manifested in abhorrent brutalities, is chief among the threats to peace and security," he said.

Somali Foreign Minister Khalid Omar Ali, meanwhile, suggested that poverty and poor education had contributed to the rise of violent extremism.

"Many Somali youth are fighting for the terrorist organization al-Shabaab. Studies have revealed that youths who have no jobs and education are more likely to engage in violence," the minister said.

Following the ministers' meeting, Jakarta is to host the Asian- African Summit in the next two days. The upcoming summit is to be themed "Strengthen South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity."