On September 17, 2012, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, a political figure of Qatar and president of the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held in Doha in December.
Li said that the international community should work together to tackle climate change by restructuring their economies, promoting environmental protection and developing low-carbon economies while promoting world economic recovery. Li called for countries to observe the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, especially the principle of equity and "common but differentiated responsibilities." Efforts should be made to take full account of the stage of development and future development space of developing countries and give priority to implementing the consensus already reached. "With the Doha climate change conference months away, we expect Qatar, host of the conference, to play a positive role in obtaining substantive results from negotiations regarding the Bali Roadmap," Li said. Li called on developed countries to substantially cut carbon emissions and honor their commitment to offer more financing and aid regarding technology transfers.
Li pointed out that the current world economic recovery is facing increasing challenges and commodity prices fluctuate at a high level. Li called on energy producers and consumers to work more closely and ensure market stability. China-Qatar energy cooperation has a sound foundation. He suggested that China and Qatar should establish long-term, stable and mutually beneficial energy cooperation, which is in line with the two countries' long-term strategy and common interests, and is also conducive to the comprehensive development of bilateral relations.
Al-Attiyah said he would like to step up communications with China regarding climate change and help all parties make joint efforts to tackle the issue, as well as see Qatar advance energy-related cooperation with China.
Xie Zhenhua, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China, Chief of the National Energy Administration Liu Tienan and other officials attended the meeting.