APEC transport ministers on Wednesday pledged to work together to fight the swine flu outbreak which has left member country Mexico reeling and spread around the world. At the end of a two-day meeting here, the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) ministers also condemned piracy off Somalia and endorsed government stimulus measures to combat the economic downturn.
The ministers issued a statement promising to "work closely with the transportation industry and with (our) colleagues in the public health agencies to enhance preparedness and to contain the spread of pandemic influenza." Nineteen of the 21 Asia-Pacific nations were represented at the annual transport ministers' meeting but Mexico, where the swine flu scare started, did not send any representatives.
At least seven people have died of the disease in Mexico and cases have also been reported in APEC members the United States, Canada and New Zealand, as well as Britain, Israel and Spain. The APEC ministers also strongly condemned piracy off Somalia and expressed support for "decisive actions" by the United Nations and other organisations to protect shipping lanes.
"We condemn in the strongest possible terms, acts of piracy and armed robbery against ocean-going vessels and innocent seafarers off the coast of Somalia," the statement said. As the economic crisis continues, the ministers urged their members "to recognise the long-term benefits of open markets and economic integration," and said APEC economies should continue to work towards "transport liberalisation."
"We applaud the substantial stimulus measures taken by APEC member economies and note the unprecedented level of investment across the region in transport technologies and infrastructure," they added. The ministers also said they recognised the effect of greenhouse gas emissions caused by transportation and said they would support "global solutions," including UN efforts to address climate change.