A/RES/52/43 Page 3 7. Encourages the Mediterranean countries to strengthen further their cooperation in combating terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, which poses a serious threat to peace, security and stability in the region and therefore to the improvement of the current political, economic and social situation; 8. Invites all States of the region to address, through various forms of cooperation, problems and threats posed to the region, such as terrorism, international crime and illicit arms transfers, as well as illicit drug production, consumption and trafficking, which jeopardize the friendly relations among States, hinder the development of international cooperation and result in the destruction of human rights, fundamental freedoms and the democratic basis of pluralistic society; 9. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on means to strengthen security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region; 10. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-third session the item entitled "Strengthening of security and cooperation in the Mediterranean region". 67th plenary meeting 9 December 1997