He told MEPs he believed it offered better opportunities to strengthen efforts to combat transnational crimes.

BBC: MEPs clash over data-sharing agreement

We decided to strengthen efforts to prevent and combat other transnational crimes, such as illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, people smuggling, money laundering, arms smuggling, sea piracy, armed robbery against ships, cybercrime and other forms of international economic crime in accordance with national laws and regulations.

WHITEHOUSE: Joint Statement of the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Meeting

It was highlighted that states have the duty to investigate crimes against freedom of expression and to combat the prevailing impunity surrounding them.

UNESCO: Communication and Information

Since September 11 EU finance, justice and transport ministers have jointly endorsed measures to combat global terrorism, including a move to apply money-laundering rules to various serious crimes, in addition to the drugs trade.

CNN: Prodi calls for EU unity on terror

We resolved to deepen cooperation against international terrorism under the framework of the ASEAN-U.S. Joint Declaration for Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism, the ARF statements and its Work Plan on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes, and the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy.

WHITEHOUSE: Joint Statement of the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Meeting