RI, PNG TO COLLABORATE IN ENSURING COPENHAGEN CONFERENCE'S SUCCESS

Singapore, Nov 13 (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Papua New Guinea agreed on Friday to collaborate in ensuring the success of the UN climate change conference to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009.

The two neighboring states reached the agreement at a bilateral meeting between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Papua New Guinean Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare here, presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said following the meeting.

"The two leaders agreed to work together closely, the more so because the two countries have tropical rain forests," Dino said.

Somare took part in the UN climate change conference in the Indonesian resort island of Bali in December 2007.

Dino quoted Somare as saying that he still remembered well how difficult it was to get the "Bali Action Plan" endorsed at the Bali meeting.

The presidential spokesman said the two leaders committed themselves to ensuring the success of the next UN climate change conference expected to decide on a new mechanism to replace the Kyoto Protocol which will expire in 2012.

In December 2009, the world community will see the last round of the UN conference on climate change in Copenhagen.

Dino said at the meeting the two leaders also discussed several issues of mutual concern, including border issues and repatriation of Indonesian nationals in Papua New Guinea.

He said Prime Minister Somare also affirmed his country's support for the territorial integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Earlier in the day, President Yudhoyono also held bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, for about 30 minutes, focusing on economic issues.

President Yudhoyono invited the Chinese government to participate in the development of Indonesia's infrastructure.

The two leaders also agreed to immediately formulate an action plan to implement the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2005, Dino said.

Yudhoyono is in Singapore to attend the 17th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit on November 14-15. He arrived in the island republic ahead of the summit because he had many things on the agenda of his Singaporean visit.

On Thursday, Yudhoyono paid courtesy calls on Singapore President SR Nathan, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The Indonesian delegation led by President Yudhoyono includes Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, Youth and Sports Minister Andi Malarangeng and Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Gita Wirjawan.***4***
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