Justice and interior ministers from the Group of Eight (G-8) member countries on Tuesday agreed to increase cooperation in intelligence-sharing, border security and surveillance to fight terrorism.

"The fight against terrorism must not be limited to our borders," US Attorney General John Ashcroft said at a joint press conference with other participants. "If we are to emerge safe and secure, we must fight together."

The ministers, wrapping up a conference in Washington, called on the member countries to adopt legislations to ensure information on terrorism can be shared externally with other countries.

G-8 countries should share information about lost or stolen passports to prevent terrorists from using them and to crack down on abuse of the asylum process by some individuals to escape persecution, they suggested.

As to cooperation in surveillance, the participants agreed thatG-8 member states should ensure "the existence of an adequate legal framework" that allows use of special investigative techniques, including the use of electronic intercepts of communication and agents to infiltrate terrorist groups or organizations.

They also agreed to make government corruption an priority in fighting international crimes and to enhance the capabilities of all countries to fight Internet-related crimes.

The Group of Eight is made up of the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, Italy and Russia.

Source: Xinhua