India, Japan condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations

New Delhi, Dec 28 (ANI): India and Japan has condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose.

"The two Prime Ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose. Prime Minister Noda strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 13 July 2011 and in Delhi on 7 September 2011. They resolved to develop greater cooperation in combating terrorism through sharing information and utilising the India-Japan Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, as well as cooperation in multilateral forums such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), said a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) after the meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Yoshihiko Noda here today.

Expressing their commitment to continuing their assistance to Afghanistan so that it would become a stable, democratic and pluralistic state, free from terrorism and extremism, the two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of a coherent and united international commitment to Afghan-led initiatives, in order to make transition irreversible through reconciliation and re-integration, sustainable development and regional cooperation, while adhering to the principles expressed in the Bonn Conference.

" In this context, Prime Minister Singh welcomed Japan's intention to host a ministerial conference in Tokyo in July 2012. The two Prime Ministers pledged to explore opportunities for consultation on their respective assistance projects, including those projects implemented in the neighbouring countries, that advance Afghanistan's mid- and long-term development and build its civilian capacity," the issued statement said.

Reaffirming the importance of counter-terrorism cooperation at the United Nations, the two Prime Ministers recognised the urgent need to finalise and adopt the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations and called upon all States to cooperate in resolving the outstanding issues expeditiously.

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

"Prime Minister Noda stressed the importance of bringing into force the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) at an early date. Prime Minister Singh reiterated India's commitment to a unilateral and voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together for immediate commencement and an early conclusion of negotiations on a non-discriminatory, multilateral and internationally and effectively verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in the Conference on Disarmament, bearing in mind the United Nations General Assembly resolution on "Treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices," said the statement.

Emphasising upon the need to address the challenges of nuclear terrorism and clandestine proliferation, the two leaders decided that both countries would enhance cooperation in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation through dialogues, including at bilateral nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation meetings as well as at the Conference on Disarmament.

They reiterated that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes. They also reaffirmed the importance of working together towards the success of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit in March 2012.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the outcome of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Durban in December 2011 and stressed the need for maintaining close cooperation to ensure a mutually acceptable outcome of the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.

"Prime Minister Noda emphasised the importance of global efforts toward low-carbon growth and climate resilient world, referring to Japan's vision and actions to that end. In this context, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the need to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation to promote sustainable development, including actions for GHG emissions reductions, promotion of low-carbon technologies, products and services, etc," said the statement.

"Prime Minister Singh noted the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Initiative proposed by Prime Minister Noda at the East Asia Summit. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed that the two countries cooperate with each other for a successful outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012," the statement adds.

The two Prime Ministers expressed their hope for the success of the 11th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP11) to be held in Hyderabad, India, in 2012.

Reaffirming their resolve to realise reform of the United Nations Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories, the two Prime Ministers concurred in participating actively on this basis in the intergovernmental negotiations in the UN General Assembly and decided to redouble their efforts, so as to make the Security Council more representative, legitimate, effective, and responsive to the realities of the international community in the 21st century.

The two leaders expressed their resolve to continue to maintain and strengthen multilateral trading system, based on the outcome of the 8th WTO Ministerial Conference held in Geneva this month.

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the role of the G-20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation that offers opportunities for developed and emerging countries to have discussions and promote cooperation.

Considering various risks that the world economy is facing today, they reiterated their commitment to ensure effective implementation of the G-20 Cannes Summit decisions including the Cannes Action Plan, which aims to achieve the Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth.

Expressing concern over the slowing of global economic growth and tensions in the financial markets due to sovereign risks in Europe, the two leaders shared an expectation that the decisions of the European Council of 9 December 2011 towards stabilisation of the financial markets and strengthening of economic policy coordination and governance would be implemented effectively and in a timely manner through coordinated efforts by the European leaders.

They reaffirmed their commitment made at G-20 Cannes Summit on anti-protectionism.

The two Prime Ministers expressed their determination to promote their cooperative efforts in the remaining period for attaining the Millennium Development Goals and even beyond 2015, focusing on individuals and human welfare. (ANI)