PHNOM PENH, July 14: Asian energy ministers have agreed in Cambodia to boost cooperation in the face of climbing oil prices, but listed few concrete targets in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of annual talks. Ministers from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan and South Korea wrapped up a meeting in the northwestern town of Siem Reap on Wednesday and released the communiqué to reporters on Thursday.

In response to soaring prices, the ministers agreed to take steps “including joint study on oil market and trading in ASEAN-plus-three countries, diversifying the primary energy supply, facilitating energy efficiency and conservation.”

While countries agreed that energy efficiency and conservation was “critical” to security, tackling climate change and reducing vulnerability to high prices, the statement fell short of listing specific targets.

Environmental watchdog Greenpeace has been lobbying ASEAN to more seriously tackle climate change, urging ministers to develop strategies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as the region is one of the world’s top emitters of the gas.

Combined carbon emissions of ASEAN members Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam was 250 million tons, lagging only behind China and India among developing economies, based on US data, the watchdog says.

The ministers said only that they emphasised a need “to forge stronger partnership in new and renewable energy development”, and meanwhile advocated the development of regional gas reserves and use of clean coal.

In a stunt designed to draw attention to the need to switch to cleaner energy, Greenpeace gave a solar module to the Cambodian government, which it also lauded for its support of alternative fuels.—AFP