10TH EU-JAPAN SUMMIT
EU-Japan Joint Declaration on Terrorism


Brussels, December 8, 2001



  1. We strongly condemn the terrorist attack committed in the United States on 11 September 2001 as a direct challenge to the international community as a whole. We should like once again to express our sincerest sympathy and solidarity with the American people. The perpetrators, sponsors, and accomplices must be brought to justice.

  2. The fight against international terrorism will not be effective unless it is based on sustained efforts, pursued in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Charter. It is essential to foster greater co-operation in international fora and to see that all existing international anti-terrorism agreements are put into effect as soon as possible. While stressing the role of the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, in the fight against international terrorism, we fully recognise the necessity to reinforce solidarity at all levels - bilateral, regional and international.

  3. We express our firm support for the military operations undertaken by the United States and other countries fighting against terrorism. We renew our determination to exert all our energy and resources to stand firm with the United States in the fight against international terrorism.

  4. We will co-operate actively towards the realisation of peace, a viable political solution, improved humanitarian situation and reconstruction in Afghanistan, while supporting the activities of the UN and UNSGSR Brahimi.
    We consider that the economic and political stability of all countries taking part in the international coalition against terrorism is extremely important. In this regard, we will actively engage in a concerted effort to assist Pakistan and other countries surrounding Afghanistan. We also acknowledge the valuable contribution those countries are making in the international campaign against terrorism.

    Specific actions we are considering include:
    • Strengthening policy dialogue and co-ordination aimed at ensuring the peace and stability of Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries in support of ongoing UN efforts intended to install in Afghanistan a legitimate, broad-based, multi-ethnic government committed to establishing human rights in Afghanistan.
    • Active co-operation in providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced persons in Afghanistan and in its neighbouring countries;
    • Assistance for reconstruction in post-war Afghanistan;
    • Assistance to Pakistan and to other countries neighbouring Afghanistan;

  5. Stressing that there is no linkage between any particular religion and terrorism, we also reaffirm the importance of continuing to promote tolerance and understanding among diverse peoples and cultures.

  6. We are both already working to minimise the impact of the events of September 11 on the world economy. The EU and Japan, both of which have an important responsibility for the world economy, will continue to consult and co-operate closely, and will each take appropriate measures in accordance with the evolving situation.

  7. In order to give substance to our common fight against terrorism, we have therefore resolved to co-operate towards the prevention and eradication of terrorism. We are determined to protect our citizens from acts as terrorism, while safeguarding the rule of law, human rights and the right to equitable justice. We have considered together the various concrete measures which each has already taken. We express our determination to strengthen consultation, co-operation and co-ordination in fighting terrorism with each other as indicated in the Action Plan for EU-Japan co-operation.
ANNEX

Excerpt of the Action Plan

  • Further promote co-ordinated international action to prevent and combat international terrorism by taking the following joint measures as first steps:

    • enhanced co-operation in all relevant international and regional fora;
    • early signature and ratification of relevant counter-terrorism conventions and protocols, and smooth and rapid implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions;
    • early finalisation of the UN Comprehensive Convention against International terrorism;
    • enhancing common efforts to stop the financing of terrorism, including freezing of funds and other financial assets of terrorists;
    • reinforcement of technical co-operation to developing countries for their capacity buildings in the field of counter-terrorism.

  • Continue combating terrorism through:
    • early finalisation of the international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism;
    • strengthening of non-proliferation regimes of weapons of mass destruction and related materials and technologies connected with terrorism;
    • cooperation between the European Police Office (Europol) and Japanese police authorities;
    • enhanced drugs control and active measures to reduce the supply and demand of drugs.