Najib and Modi agree to work closely to address terrorism

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever.

In a joint statement issued after their bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House here, both Prime Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and work closely to address the menace.

They asserted that the fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify and take strong measures against States which support and finance terrorism.

"There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs," they said in the statement.

Najib, in his third visit to India after taking office in 2009, is leading a delegation of nine ministers, including Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Calling for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation, both leaders expressed their determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among the law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations.

In this respect, Najib and Modi called upon the international community to strengthen multilateral regimes to effectively address the challenges posed by terrorism.

On the same note, they recognised the importance of moderation as espoused by the Global Movement of Moderates that promotes dialogue, mutual respect and understanding, tolerance and harmony as an approach to counter all forms of extremism.

In this regard, they encouraged collaboration between relevant establishments from India and the GMM Foundation to undertake mutually beneficial activities and programmes towards promoting moderation.

With a view to providing a further fillip to the strong bilateral relations, and enhance the strategic partnership of the two countries, both Prime Ministers agreed to continue to hold regular Summits.

Najib and Modi also agreed on the need to finalise the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Partnership (RCEP) Agreement at an early date on mutually acceptable terms.

-- BERNAMA