Santiago, Nov. 21 (VNA) - Viet Nam backs actions against terrorism, condemns and opposes any terrorist acts, said President Tran Duc Luong at the first closed-door meeting of APEC leaders in Santiago on Saturday.

He stressed the need to enhance cooperation as well as security and technical support among APEC members. He agreed with the Malaysian Prime Minister, the Brunei King and other leaders on the root of terrorism and the necessity to eliminate the root cause in order to wipe out terrorism.

In this regard, "Viet Nam has effectively solved poverty reduction issue, encouraged people to take part in poverty reduction and created favourable and safe environment for tourists, investors and diplomats. These showed Viet Nam's determination to combat terrorism," President Luong said.

On the second main issue of the meeting's agenda, the President affirmed Viet Nam's determination to ensure medical security and get rid of infectious epidemics as well as its transparent policy regarding epidemics. He said Viet Nam is always willing to cooperate with relevant international organisations and as a result, Viet Nam successfully contained the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and bird flu in 2004. He welcomed Thailand's HIV/AIDS initiative and thanked the US for its assistance to Viet Nam in the field.

The same day, President Tran Duc Luong attended a meeting of APEC leaders and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

Responding to ABAC's questions on Viet Nam's stance on APEC during its process to join the World Trade Organisation, President Luong emphasised Viet Nam's determination to join the WTO as early as possible. He said Viet Nam is determined to improve its trade and investment environment, expressing his hope to receive the business community's support Viet Nam's WTO negotiations with other countries.

On Sunday, President Luong attended the second close-door meeting to discuss economic and trade issues such as WTO, the Doha Development Round (DDA), bilateral and regional free trade areas, energy security, and anti-corruption.