MOSCOW, November 17 (RIA Novosti) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has an important role to play in bringing nations together in the fight against terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
"Russia sees APEC as an important instrument for consolidating the anti-terrorist front, both in the regional and the global dimension," Putin said in an article "Russia-APEC: Broad Cooperation Horizons".
Putin said APEC was particularly instrumental in pooling nations' efforts to stem financing for terrorist networks.
"APEC leaders have highlighted the need for joint steps to weaken the material basis of terrorism, [specifically by] preventing the illegal trade in portable anti-aircraft missiles and enhancing the non-proliferation regime across the region," Putin said.
He said the situation could be improved through joint measures to improve economic development, curb organized crime, and combat corruption.
The Russian leader also highlighted the positive role of intercultural dialogue and called on APEC to boost its efforts to promote dialogue between the many nations of the Pacific Rim.
