Australia, Japan discuss energy, security
Sunday, 9 September, 2007
Press TV
Australian Prime Minister John Howard and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe agreed that efforts to curb global warming must be compatible with economic growth.
The two also agreed to increase their mutually-beneficial cooperation in the commercial use of nuclear energy, which they say can play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the long term.
As a first step, the two governments plan to focus on talks over uranium shipments and nuclear technology at their regular energy talks, while allowing the private sector to hold business-level discussions on the sidelines.
Japan, which has almost no natural energy resources, relies on nuclear power for 30 percent of its energy needs but enriches little uranium due to public concerns about safety. Australia is the world's largest exporter of uranium.
Howard has been supporting developing nuclear energy in Australia as a way to reduce the reliance on fossil fuel.
The leaders also agreed that reducing deforestation and forest degradation is a key component of global action on climate change.
Abe told reporters after the meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that a global effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions is urgently needed.