BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug 1: Southeast Asian nations on Thursday signed a comprehensive pact with US Secretary of State Colin Powell to combat terrorism, cut off terrorist funding and develop more effective counter-terrorist policies.

The agreement binds Southeast Asia and the United States in a framework “to prevent, disrupt and combat international terrorism”.

Powell said it was not designed to win new US military bases nor increase the number of troops deployed in the region.

The document commits to mutual assistance in a crackdown on the movement of terrorists, including border controls, detection of fake passports and the movement of terrorist funds. It also details improved intelligence sharing on terrorist financing and counter-terrorist measures.—AFP