DHAKA: Senior officials from 21 countries are gathering in London to discuss efforts to tackle the jihadist militant group, Islamic State (IS), in Syria and Iraq.

Those taking part in the one-day conference include US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi.

They will discuss how to halt the flow of recruits and money to IS, reports the BBC.

They will also look at providing more military help to those fighting on the ground, and boosting humanitarian aid.

According to the BBC, ministers will be exploring ways to accelerate and intensify a long-term campaign.

Recent attacks by Islamist militants in France have put even greater political pressure on governments to show decisive results, he adds.

Kerry, to co-host the talks with UK foreign mecretary Philip Hammond, said there was ‘greater determination’ than ever to defeat IS.

BDST: 1505 HRS, JAN 22, 2015