The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Wednesday that trade ministers of Asian and Pacific countries have agreed to set up a cooperative system to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

The decision came during a meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative held in Khon Kaen, Thailand from Sunday to Tuesday.

Delegates adopted a SARS-related declaration and action plans against the deadly respiratory disease, and also agreed to cooperate on health affairs in the short and long term.