China, U.S. sign MOU on energy, climate change, environment co-op

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) here Tuesday on the bilateral cooperation of energy, climate change and environment.

China and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  here Tuesday on the bilateral cooperation of energy, climate change and environment.

The signing ceremony was held in the U.S. State Department during the first round of China, U.S. strategic and economic dialogue opened here Monday.

China's State Councilor Dai Bingguo said at the ceremony that the signing of the MOU was "an important outcome" of this round of dialogue.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to the dialogue between China and the U.S. on enhancing energy, climate change and environment cooperation," said Dai, calling on both countries to boost cooperation at a "strategic and long-term" view and under the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."

"Despite differences between our two countries in the basic national conditions, stage of development, historical responsibilities and our respective capacities, there exist conditions, common will, the necessity and broad basis for enhancing China-U.S. dialogue and cooperation on these areas," Dai told the ceremony.

U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton, who co-chaired the "Strategic Track" of the dialogue with Dai, said that the MOU was built on "past efforts including the 10-year framework for energy and environment cooperation, and highlights the importance of climate change in our bilateral relations by creating a platform for climate policy dialogue and cooperation."

"It also provides our countries with direction as we work together to support international climate negotiations and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy," Clinton said.

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu also hailed the signing, saying he was pleased that these issues "come in the heart" of the U.S.-China strategic and economic dialogue and "will be critical part of bilateral relationship for years to come."