The statement stressed the critical importance of not linking the criminal and deplorable phenomenon of terrorism and the faiths and religions or certain ethnic groups, pointing out that such malicious phenomenon is contrary to the philosophies of beliefs and religions. The statement called for closer regional and international cooperation, and the participation of all concerned parties to systematically deal with the underlying reasons of the phenomenon of terrorism, which include economic, social, political and even international reasons. The statement emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of the United Nations and all its bodies in addressing the phenomenon of terrorism. --SPA 00:23 LOCAL TIME 21:23 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w