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ShareNew Delhi: Sharing concern over the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, India and the European Union today pitched for "sustained and comprehensive" international action to combat terrorism as they decided to finalise a bilateral agreement for cooperation in the field.
At the India-EU Summit here, the 27-nation European bloc strongly condemned the attacks in Mumbai last year and on Indian Embassy in Kabul last month and emphasised the "utmost importance" of bringing the perpetrators to justice as it would contribute to the success of global fight against terrorism.
Prime minister Manmohan Singh and his Swedish counterpart Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country is the current chair of the EU, and European Commission president Jose Manuel Borosso, also discussed difficulties that have beset talks on a broadbased Trade and Investment Agreement and expressed hope that the pact would be finalised within a year.
The two sides signed an agreement in civil nuclear field and deliberated upon climate change issue, international financial crisis and other global challenges.
Noting that developments in Pakistan and Afghanistan affect India more than anyone else, Singh said this nation has a vital stake in peace and stability there and asked the international community to stay the course in ensuring this.
"We reviewed the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan and emphasised the need for concerted international action to combat terrorism," Singh said at a joint press conference later.
"We are in this region, what happens in Afghanistan, what happens in Pakistan affects us much more intimately than other countries in the world. So, we have a vital stake in peace, stability and progress not only in Afghanistan but also in Pakistan," Singh said in reply to a question.
Describing terrorism as "one of the most serious threats to international peace and security", India and EU said they stood united in combating this challenge.
"Efforts to counter terrorism can only be successful with a sustained and comprehensive approach. They should be pursued in full respect of international law," the joint declaration adopted at the Summit said.
As part of efforts to coordinate fight against terror, the two sides agreed to finalise an agreement between Europol and its Indian counterpart.
The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purpose.
The EU and its member-states extended full support to India's bid for membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which will further reinforce India's commitment to combat terrorist financing and money laundering.
During the Summit, Singh asked the EU to adopt a "friendly" visa regime to facilitate movement of people, professionals, business-persons, students, civil society and tourists through friendly visa regime.
