Jakarta (VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should combine economic integration with deeper integration in the field of security in order to defeat all schemes and activities of the self-claimed Islamic State (IS), said an article published recently on the Jakarta Post.
It noted that the IS once said Southeast Asia will be the next destination for its terrorist activities. Therefore, more than ever, ASEAN member countries need to strengthen solidarity and consensus to become a united front to maintain peace and create a favourable environment for economic growth and bring prosperity for people, the article said.
Looking back at ASEAN’s moves in fighting terrorism, the article recalled that in 2001, ASEAN issued a statement on joint activities to prevent terrorism. The bloc’s member nations have conducted a number of relevant high-level conferences to build counter-terrorism programmes in the region.
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