Chinese premier, EU's Barroso discuss climate change over phone

BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso exchanged views on climate change and China-EU cooperation on Monday during a telephone conversation.

The upcoming UN climate change conference in Copenhagen should aim to achieve positive results in the full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, Wen said.

"Emphasis should be put on making clear and detailed arrangements for mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and financing," he added.

"The key to success at the conference is to uphold the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, the principle of 'common but differentiated responsibilities' and the authorization of the Bali Road Map," he said.

President Hu Jintao had made clear China's position and specific measures at the UN climate change summit in September, he said.

The premier specified six aspects China will give priority to in its next steps. That included integrating actions on climate change into its economic and social development plan, implementing and improving the National Climate Change Program, promoting the green economy, and reinforcing the comprehensive capability in coping with climate change.

Work also needs to be done in improving legislation on dealing with climate change and boosting international exchanges and cooperation, Wen said.

China highly values its relations with the European Union and both sides should further deepen the strategic mutual trust and strengthen all-round cooperation under new conditions, Wen said.

China is ready to work with the EU to push for a success of the Copenhagen conference and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU, he added.

In the telephone conversation, Barroso briefed Wen on the EU's position and proposals on climate change.

Barroso said the EU appreciates China's efforts in coping with climate change and its achievements in energy saving and emission reduction.

The EU hopes to enhance coordination and cooperation with China to make sure the Copenhagen conference produces positive outcomes, and expects to make joint efforts with China to push bilateral cooperation to a new level, Barroso said.