Sri Lanka on Thursday sought the cooperation of BIMSTEC nations in combating terrorism in the region saying the sea lanes of Bay of Bengal were being used by terrorists to smuggle arms and drugs.
The resolution, adopted by the BIMSTEC nations, `fully reflects our concern` over growing terrorism in the region, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said at a joint press conference with leaders of BIMSTEC countries.
He said maritime surveillance was required in Bay of Bengal as its sea lanes were being used by terrorists to transport arms and ammunition and drugs.
`We discussed it (at the meeting). All countries and societies of the region are affected by terrorism,` Rajapaksa said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said all BIMSTEC leaders had stressed that terrorism posed a major threat to the societies and economies and `we need to combat this threat collectively.`
He said the BIMSTEC leaders would soon finalise a convention on fighting international terrorism, trans-national organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
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14 Nov 2008 14:18:29 GMT