[ValkyrieLenneth]

Thailand has shown strong interest in joining a Japan-sponsored program to combat global warming.

A bilateral seminar on global warming was held at the Thai government house in Bangkok on Thursday. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Japan's Ambassador to Thailand Kyoji Komachi were among the participants.

Komachi explained the "Cool Earth Partnership", an initiative where Japan provides funds to developing countries struggling to achieve both economic growth and cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

Abhisit praised Japan's scheme. He stressed that the Thai government has tackled global warming as a top priority and is drawing up its own medium- and long-term action plans.

After the seminar, Abhisit told NHK that he hopes to join the initiative and receive technological assistance from Japan.

Eighty-one countries have so far joined the program, which was proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda last year. Sources say that the response of Thailand, which holds the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, may help lure more participants from the region.

2009/06/04 20:28(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)


http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/04_41.html

[shunpodancer]

is singapore inside? =o