Hanoi Times - Leaders from 16 countries to the Third East Asia Summit have signed the Singapore Declaration on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment.
The Third East Asia Summit (EAS), held in Singapore on November 21, brought together leaders from 10 ASEAN countries and Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand.
The declaration commits the countries to increase regional and international cooperation on climate change and environmental protection through a raft of measures.
The measures include limiting carbon emissions, adopting measures to save and use energy effectively, and seeking new and clean energy resources.
The agreement is seen to reflect strong political determination by the countries to accelerate their work in reducing global emissions after 2012.
At the summit, EAS leaders commented that the forum has become significant to the region, contributing to promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability and development in East Asia.
The leaders agreed to continue enhancing policy dialogue on major issues of common concern, raising mutual understanding and trust, and facilitating for cooperation.
They also agreed to carry out cooperation on five priority areas including energy, finance, education, bird flu control and disaster mitigation. EAS leaders also agreed that ASEAN needs to hold the decisive role in the EAS.
