(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-09 15:19

Leaders of the 21 Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies vowed to improve human security in Sydney on Sunday.

"We are repeatedly reminded of our region's vulnerability to natural disasters and the devastating human and economic costs arising from threats to human security, " said a final statement issued at the conclusion of the two-day APEC Leaders Meeting.

The leaders recognized the challenges including terrorism, pandemic, illicit drugs, contaminated products and natural disasters, said the statement.

The leaders thus reaffirmed their commitment to dismantle terrorist groups and to protect the economic and financial systems from abuse by terrorist groups, it said.

They endorsed APEC's voluntary Food Defense Principles to help protect the food supply against deliberate contamination, said the statement.

The leaders declared to develop a more robust approach to strengthen food and consumer product safety standards and practices in the region.

They also agreed on the need to further strengthen APEC's efforts to build community resilience and preparedness for emergencies and natural disasters, said the statement.

Founded in 1989, APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia- Pacific region.