The
11th Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Economic Leaders'
Meeting concluded Oct. 21after passing the Bangkok Declaration on
Partnership for the Future.
The 21 APEC economic leaders indicated they would push for a multilateral
trading system and the completion of the World Trade Organization
Doha Development Agenda.
The leaders reached a consensus
that regional and bilateral free trade agreements must be consistent
with WTO principles, advance WTO objectives and contribute to the
Bogor Goals.
In 1994 in Bogor, Indonesia, APEC adopted the goals of free and
open trade and investment for developed economies by 2010 and for
developing economies by 2020.
The economic representatives agreed to strengthen partnerships
not only to liberalize and facilitate
regional trade and investment but also to protect their citizens
and societies against security threats.
The declaration also says that terrorism and the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction are direct and profound challenges
facing their vision for free, open and prosperous economies.
It agrees to take all essential action to dismantle, fully and
without delay, transnational terrorist
groups that threaten APEC economies.
At the meeting, Chinese President Hu Jintao said the international
community should try a three-pronged approach to tackle both the
root causes and symptoms of terrorism -- ease regional and international
tensions, eliminate poverty and enhance anti-terrorism co-operation.
Addressing another threat, the leaders decided to implement the
APEC Action Plan on SARS and a health security initiative to help
the bloc prevent and respond to regional health hazards including
naturally occurring infectious diseases.
They also committed themselves to empowering people and strengthening
their societies to meet the challenges of globalization and strive
for sustainable economic development.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula was discussed over lunch,
with a resolution formed to seek a peaceful outcome through dialogue.
APEC's members are committed to the maintenance of peace and stability
on the Korean Peninsula, support the continuation of the six-party
talks and look forward to a nuclear weapons-free peninsula, the
declaration said.
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