Ministers from 18 Asian-Pacific countries are meeting in Tokyo to discuss the state of security in civilian aviation.

The conference comes in the wake of failed attempt to bomb a Detroit-bound flight late 2009.

Delegates on Saturday stressed a need for strong international cooperation in facing future threats.

[Seiji Maehara, Japanese Transport Minister]:
"The attempted attack has reminded us of the fact that civil aviation is still a target for terrorism. It also has reminded us that the international community must work together in cooperation to take effective measures in addressing the potential threat of terrorist attacks on civil aircraft."

Two previous security conferences have covered Europe and the Western hemisphere.

Accused in the December 25 incident is 23-year-old Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who's pleaded not guilty in a U.S. court to six charges, including attempting to murder the other 289 passengers and crew on board the plane.

The incident is considered one of the most serious U.S. security breaches since the September 11 attacks.