Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders Sunday stated that member economies will continue their efforts to fight against terrorism.

"In keeping with our commitment to advance regional prosperity and sustainable development and our complementary mission of ensuring security for our people, we are determined to continue efforts to combat terrorism in every form and manifestation," the leaders said in a declaration.

"Any measures taken to combat terrorism must comply with our international obligations," the leaders said in the Hanoi Declaration issued after the closing of their two-day annual meeting.

The meeting of economic leaders from the 21 members of APEC focused their discussions on restarting the Daha Round negotiations at the World Trade Organization and free trade and investment within the region.

The leaders encouraged member economies to take appropriate individual and joint actions. but the actions must be "in accordance with international law and consistent with each economy's circumstances."

Anti-terrorism became one of the topics at the economic leaders meeting after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks against the United States.

Although the anti-terrorism was explained as measures to secure safe environment for trade and economic development in the region, some members dislike to have the issue discussed at an economic meeting and APEC should keep its original purpose of economic promotion.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi complained on Saturday that security issues have hijacked the APEC forum. He urged the members to shift their focus back to the original role of fostering trade and economic growth.

"APEC should return to its original purpose as an instrument for promoting economic growth through fostering freer and fairer flow of trade," Abdullah told a business leaders' meeting shortly before the start of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.