Japan Seeks Cooperation from Micronesia on Global Warming

Fukuda seeks cooperation from Micronesia in tackling global warming
Nov 30 08:19 AM US/Eastern

TOKYO, Nov. 30 (AP) - (Kyodo) — Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Friday sought the cooperation of visiting Micronesian President Emanuel Mori in promoting Japan's proposal to launch a post-Kyoto Protocol framework for negotiations to tackle global warming in which all major greenhouse gas emitters will take part.

In their 20-minute meeting at the prime minister's office, Mori thanked Japan for its leadership on the climate change issue and expressed hope that it will take the initiative as a country that shares the same Pacific climate as island nations that are easily affected by weather conditions, Japanese officials said.

Fukuda told Mori he is fully aware that global warming is a "serious issue" for island nations such as the Federated States of Micronesia and said that Japan is proposing the negotiating framework while taking the situation of island states into account, the officials said.

Japan is proposing a forum in which all major emitters will take part in negotiations with a view to building an effective future framework for addressing climate change after the expiration in 2012 of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol for curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

The move is part of the international community's efforts to build a new regime to fight global warming. Japan earlier announced an initiative to halve greenhouse gas emissions from current levels by 2050.

At a press opportunity at the outset of their meeting, the prime minister said Japan has decided to post a full-time ambassador to Micronesia as part of efforts to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

"Japan and Micronesia have a historically long relationship and there are many people in your country who are of Japanese ancestry, including yourself, Mr. President," Fukuda said. "We have a particular affinity and affection for your country."

Fukuda said Japan is planning to decide shortly on the provision of grant aid to Micronesia for improvements to Pohnpei international airport and will also consider further assistance measures for the country, the officials said.

Mori expressed hope that the upgrading of Japan's diplomatic mission in Micronesia to an embassy will help to enhance bilateral ties and thanked Japan for its continued economic cooperation, they said.