The fight against terrorism emerged as the top issue at the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, whose original aim was to promote sustainable economic growth. This reflected awareness among participants at the summit -- held Oct. 26-27 in Los Cabos, Mexico -- that terrorism affects regional economic development.
The 9/11 attacks that targeted the economic and military power centers of the United States sent shock waves reverberating throughout the world. Last month, terrorists struck in Indonesia, the Philippines and Russia, showing that no country is safe from terrorism -- the enemy of economic and social globalization.
The summit issued two statements on terrorism and another urging North Korea to abandon its nuclear-arms development. The most important accomplishment of the summit was a common perception among member nations such as Japan, the U.S., Russia and China that security was the most serious challenge to regional development. Controlling terrorism is now considered essential for economic growth. At a news conference, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi set store on the summiteers' renewed pledge to fight terrorism together.