HELSINKI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from Asia and Europe on Monday called for dialogue among cultures and civilizations in the world, describing it as an essential step in addressing the root causes of terrorism and an investment toward broader security.

    The leaders started their second day of sessions at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit with a moment of silence to remember the nearly 3,000 victims in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and those in all other acts of random violence.

    The leaders from 38 countries said there was a need to promote tolerance and understanding, and to overcome ignorance, misconceptions and prejudice as a way of addressing the root causes of terrorism, according to a session summary.

    They said a comprehensive and joint response was required to deal with terrorism.

    The ASEM Inter-faith Dialogue was taken up as an important tool to increase respect and tolerance, and to prevent stereotyping and the use of violence in the name of religion.

    The leaders reiterated their determination to stand united in global efforts to cultivate a culture of peace and increase respect and confidence among people of all faiths.

    Emphasizing their determination to respect and promote cultural diversity, they said the inter-cultural dialogue should also be seen as crucial in achieving progress in political dialogue and economic cooperation between Asia and Europe.

    Security challenges, including the fight against terrorism, was a major topic at the ASEM summit.

    Five years after the 9/11 attacks, the meeting was obviously trying to strike a different note on the issue of terrorism as the American approach has sparked controversy in Europe.

    U.S. President George W. Bush has for the first time confirmed the existence of secret Central Intelligence Agency overseas prisons caging suspected terrorists.

    In a statement to commemorate the fifth anniversary of 9/11, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso did not give direct reference to Bush's admission, but indicated the EU's reservations on the American approach.

    "Our response (to terrorism) must be to stand up for our values, namely respect for human rights, which are the surest guarantee of our future security," said the statement.

    Franco Frattini, European Commission vice president in charge of justice and security affairs, also indicated that the fight against terrorism must respect the rule of law and fundamental values.

    "Our joint efforts have helped us safeguard our societies based on the rule of law and democracy, as we both agree that we can fight terrorism effectively only on the basis of our fundamental values," said Frattini in a letter to U.S. Secretary for Homeland Security Michael Chertoff and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Enditem