ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia), Jul 16 (APP): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Saturday underscored the need for addressing the root causes of terrorism as part of any strategy to counter it.
The Adviser attended a Retreat session of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit here in which a wide range of regional and international issues were discussed by the leaders from Asia and Europe.
He also stressed upon addressing the prolonged and
unresolved conflicts like Kashmir and Palestine.
Sartaj spoke on the issue of global terrorism and said
that despite international efforts to counter terrorism over
the past fifteen years, the phenomenon had become more complex and gruesome with home grown terrorists, foreign fighters, ISIL and lone wolf attacks by radicalized youth.
The widespread use of social media by terrorists to
spread their message was becoming a major problem, he noted.
The Adviser emphasized that Pakistan, one of the biggest
victims of terrorism, had been at the forefront of efforts to
counter the menace of terrorism.
The complexity of the challenge demanded enhanced and
shared understanding, and deeper dialogue among countries,
cultures and civilizations.
Ulaanbaatar Declaration was also adopted as an outcome
document of the Summit, in which the participating leaders
from Asia and Europe renewed their political will and strong
resolve to work together to promote mutually beneficial
partnership and cooperation between the two continents, with a view to building a better future for the peoples of Asia and Europe.
The leaders and participating delegations attended the
nomadic Naadam Festival.
On this occasion, Sartaj Aziz was presented a native
Mongolian breed horse by President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin
Elbegdorj which was named `Rustam’ by the Adviser.
The event was rounded off with a gala dinner hosted by
the President of Mongolia, followed by performance of
Mongolian culture.
