Shoukry, UN official tackle impact of climate change

CAIRO - 7 April 2018: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry probed with Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Patricia Espinosa promoting joint action to face the challenges related to climate change.

Shoukry said this year is important to put into effect the commitments of the parties of the Paris climate agreement, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said on Saturday.

Egypt, as the chairman of the Group of 77 together with China, will motivate the international partners to implement the terms of agreement, Shoukry added.

Egypt adopts policies and plans to reduce emissions, increase energy efficiency, as well as increase investment in renewable energy to be consistent with the goals of sustainable development 2030, noted the foreign minister.

Meanwhile, Espinosa valued Egypt's positive role and its efforts in the international negotiations related to climate change and boosting joint action in Africa to face the negative impacts of this phenomena.

She expressed her keenness on maintaining consultation and coordination with Egypt within the next period regarding the outcome of the 24th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 24) to the UNFCCC.

She also highlighted the importance of the Egyptian role, saying it is irreplaceable to deal with the security and social challenges related to climate change.

During the meeting, Shoukry pointed out that the internationally-agreed measures should not contradict with achieving economic development in developing countries as they don't have necessary funds or eco-friendly technology.