Japan to Disclose Emission Cut Targets before G-8 Summit

Berlin, June 1 (Jiji Press)--Japan aims to unveil both medium-and long-term targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions before the Group of Eight summit in July, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said Sunday.

Fukuda made the comments at a press conference after a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel here.

In their talks, Fukuda and Merkel agreed that their countrieswill work together in the fight against global warming, a key theme of the G-8 summit in Hokkaido, northern Japan.

Fukuda said the G-8 countries need to make a united stand over the global economy, environment and climate change and African aid.

On climate change, Fukuda said active dialogue with emerging economies such as China and India is crucial. He called for Germany'ssupport to deliver a strong G-8 message at the summit.

Merkel promised Germany's support for G-8 leaders to go beyond last year's agreement that committed them into seriously considering halving global emissions by 2050.

Fukuda and Merkel shared concern about the impact of increasing biofuel production on food prices worldwide. They agreed that biofuel production should be kept in sync with efforts to increase global food production.

Fukuda was visiting Germany on the first leg of a European tour that will also take him to Britain and Italy.