(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-30 17:30

German Chancellor Angela Merkel answers questions during a joint news conference with her Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe after their meeting at Abe's official residence in Tokyo August 29, 2007. [Reuters]

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed during their talks Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation over reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

The two leaders agreed to work together closely on building an effective post-Kyoto Protocol framework where all major emitters will take part to cope with climate change at next year's G-8 summit in northern Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture.

Merkel, who arrived in Tokyo earlier in the day for her first official visit to Japan, praised Japan's contribution to the realization of this year's G-8 summit pledge to work toward halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, adding that "Europe cannot form the G-8 stance by itself and Japan will play an important role," according to Kyodo News.

In encouraging Japan to continue its participation in international anti-terrorism efforts, Merkel said the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean and other contributions have been "significant assistance" to Germany.

During their talks at the prime minister's official residence in the evening, Abe and Merkel also exchanged ideas on issues such as ensuring energy security and helping developing countries to improve energy efficiency.

They also agree to continue their aborted efforts in seeking the UN Security Council permanent memberships.

The German Chancellor is scheduled to have an audience with Japanese Emperor Akihito and main opposition party leader Ichiro Ozawa on Thursday, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

 

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