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Press Release

The Seventh Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among Korea, China and Japan

October 24, 2005

The Seventh Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting (TEMM7) among China, Japan and Korea was held on October 22 and 23, 2005 in Seoul, Korea. Three ministers, Minister XIE Zhenhua of the State Environmental Protection Administration of the People's Republic of China, Minister KOIKE Yuriko of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan and Minister Jae-Yong Lee of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their common view that TEMM has played an important role in encouraging regional environmental cooperation and sustainable development in Northeast Asia. They agreed that they would continue collaboration in addressing regional environmental issues. They issued a joint communiqué after the meeting.

The Ministers reaffirmed that building a sound material-cycle society is essential in achieving sustainable development in Northeast Asia. They concurred that the three countries take turns holding joint seminars or workshops to strengthen trilateral cooperation on this issue.

The Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol this February. They expressed their expectation for positive outcomes that can lead to the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and further global efforts to tackle climate change at the COP11 and COP/MOP1. The Ministers shared the view that "COOL BIZ" campaign could be effective in promoting energy saving.

Regarding dust and sandstorm (DSS) issues in North East Asia, the ministers recognized the necessity of capacity building for environmental management and monitoring as well as the necessity of promoting a monitoring network and information sharing of data obtained through national monitoring and related bilateral projects.

The Ministers commended the achievements of TEMM projects, especially latest activities to start the promotion of "Green Purchase", to harmonize criteria for eco-labeling and the publication of joint educational material for children.

The Ministers also exchanged their views concerning sub-regional issues such as acid deposition and marine litter. They shared the recognition that the three countries need to make joint efforts toward further collaboration including within the frameworks of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) and the Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP).


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