India, Colombia to support each other in combating terror

New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) India and Colombia today reaffirmed their firm condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed to strengthen cooperation and support each other in the international fora in combating the menace.

In this context, they agreed to push forward negotiations towards formalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations.

They condemned kidnappings and other terrorist acts carried out by illegally armed groups in both countries.

These assertions are part of a joint statement issued by Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma and his Colombian counterpart Fernando Araujo Perdomo in Bogota yesterday.

Both sides welcomed the resolution adopted by the UNGA declaring 2nd October as the International Day of Non-violence, the foreign office here said in a statement today.

The Ministers highlighted the importance of continuing joint efforts of both countries in the international fora against illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunitions and explosives- a phenomenon that is closely linked with terrorism and other transnational organised delinquencies.

The Ministers renewed the commitment of both countries to the recommendations of the Program of Action of the United Nations to prevent, combat and eradicate illicit trafficking of small and light weapons.

They also emphasised on the importance of improving surveillance and mutual exchange of information in this regard.

The Ministers agreed on the importance of continued support to the process of greater reforms of the United Nations and that of the Security Council with a view to make it more representative, democratic and efficient.

Minister Sharma expressed his gratitude for the support of the Government of Colombia to the Indian candidature to the Human Rights Council for the period 2008-2011.

The Ministers thanked each other for the mutual support of the candidatures of Colombia and India for becoming Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council for the period 2011-2012.

Mr Sharma paid an official visit to Colombia from June 19-21 at the invitation of Mr Perdomo.

During his stay in Colombia, Mr Sharma called on President Alvaro Uribe Velez and met Ministers of Trade, Mines and Energy and Defence.

UNI