The Joint Statement between China and India on Climate Change issued during India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China is encouraging، says Minister of Foreign Affairs Dunya Maumoon.
According to a news statement on Foreign Ministry’s website، Minister Dunya said that China and India could play catalytic role in concluding a global agreement on setting binding targets in reducing emissions، and the Joint Statement could hopefully be the beginning of forging new consensus.
Minister further noted that the statement will give a boost to the process at a critical time in the development of a comprehensive climate treaty، in light of the crucial negotiations in the lead up to UN Climate Change Conference COP 21 in Paris this year.
“Our view is that a legally binding protocol under the convention that is applicable to all Parties، and in line with keeping global temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius، is the best way to achieve that objective” Minister Dunya said.
Minister Dunya also noted the extensive discussions held between the leaders of China and India on the need for accelerating the preparations for establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)، which is closely linked to the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
The Maldives is a founding member of the AIIB، and also joined the China-proposed Maritime Silk Road initiative.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an official three-day visit to China، holding official talks، especially on resolving the issue of the two country’s border dispute، and signing billion dollar-worth agreements. During the bilateral talks، India and China had shared the view that the issue of climate change is of vital importance for the sake of today’s world and future generations.
They underscored the importance of working together and with other countries to conclude an ambitious، comprehensive، universal، balanced and equitable climate agreement at the forthcoming CoP 21 to UNFCCC to be held in Paris later this year that will also encourage genuine technology transfer، collaboration for adaptation and mitigation and financial support in meeting this common global challenge.