Leaders of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Sunday agreed to dedicate themselves to further advancing free trade and enhancing human security to achieve the vision of "stability, security and prosperity" in the region.

The leaders, after concluding their two-day annual informal meeting here, issued a Hanoi Declaration, saying they will "make every effort for realizing APEC's goal of free and open trade and investment," and dedicate themselves to "preventing threats to sustainable development, to building a secure and favorable business environment and to enhancing human security."

They also pledged in the declaration to "continue our work towards a dynamic and harmonious Asia-Pacific community by building strong societies for the well-being of our people."

For advancing free trade and investment, the leaders reaffirmed their resolve to revive the stalled Doha round of World Trade Organization negotiations, and endorsed the Hanoi Action Plan to implement the Busan Roadmap for realizing the Bogor Goals of free and open trade and investment.

To enhance human security in the region, the leaders pledged in the declaration to "continue efforts to combat terrorism in every form and manifestation," enhance cooperation in preventing and responding Avian and Influenza pandemics, and expand efforts toward combating the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.

The leaders also urged APEC member economies to further intensify cooperation in emergency preparedness and disaster response, and take measures to safeguard energy security for sustainable economic development.

In the declaration, the leaders also underlined the importance of economic and technical cooperation, small and medium-sized enterprises development, anti-corruption, information and communication technology development and promoting community linkages among APEC member economies for building stronger societies and a more dynamic and harmonious community.