Foreign secretaries of South Asian countries recommended "strong" statement on cooperation to fight terrorism at their meeting ended in News Delhi Sunday.

The 33rd standing committee of foreign secretaries of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries concluded here Sunday, two days ahead of the SAARC summit.

"We are recommending strong statement on the implementation of what has already been agreed on (terrorism) and to see what further action can be taken," said Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon quoted by Indo-Asian News Service.

But he did not specify what steps have been recommended.

"It's for every country to come out with its idea. Every idea that helps to counter terrorism is welcome," he said.

Sri Lanka had underlined the need for more regional cooperation on fighting against terrorism and called for a revision of the 987 SAARC protocol on suppression of terrorism at the meeting Saturday.

The foreign secretaries worked out a report at the meeting and will present to the foreign ministers of the SAARC countries Monday.

India will quadruple its financial contribution to various activities of SAARC to US$100 million, Menon said.

The committee also formally welcomed the Iranian interest in the SAARC and recommended its inclusion as an observer at the regional grouping, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2007)