Five-country energy ministers meeting discusses energy security, efficiency

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Saturday, December 16, 2006  


An energy ministerial meeting of China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States opened in Beijing Saturday morning, aimed at boosting energy efficiency and security.

\"This meeting aims at safeguarding the stable and sustainable development of the global energy and building a new concept of energy security featuring mutual benefit and diversified development,\" Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Ma Kai told the opening session.

The meeting also involved Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora, Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Amari Akira, ROK Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Chung Sye Kyun and U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with these ministers before the energy meeting began.

Proposed by China, the first-ever meeting came at a time when world oil prices keep fluctuating and energy demand continues to grow.

Ma said this meeting will send a sensible and positive message to the world. \"The five major energy-consuming nations will step up dialogue, boost energy efficiency, jointly develop technology and protect the environment.\"

The five countries represent 45.2 percent of the world oil consumption, official statistics show.


Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (3rd R), Ma Kai (2nd L), Chinese minister in charge of the State Development and Reform Commission, Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora (1st L), Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Amari Akira (1st R), South Korean Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Chung Sye Kyun (3rd L) and U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman (2nd R) pose for a photo during their meeting in Beijing, Dec. 16, 2006. An energy ministers' meeting of the five countries was convened in Beijing on Saturday. [Xinhua Photo]


Premier Wen: China to cooperate with other countries to safeguard int'l energy security

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Saturday that China would cooperate with other countries to safeguard international energy security.

\"China is willing to cooperate with other countries in developing and exploiting energy resources, especially in energy conservation, improvement of energy efficiency, development of alternative energy resources and environmental protection concerning energy utilization, and contribute to maintaining the stability and security of international energy supply,\" Wen said.



Editor:  Chen Feng  
Source: Xinhua