11/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - Wanting to demonstrate that the ASEM talks can have a real impact at global level, the heads of state of thirteen countries of Asia (10 from the Association of East Asian Nations, ASEAN, along with Japan and South Korea) and the 25 EU Member States expressed their desire to reach new agreements on climate change for the post-2012 period. The statement issued by the ASEM Summit stressed the importance of ensuring that the new period of commitments started immediately the old commitments come to an end. ASEM is counting on success being made at the UN conference on climate change in Nairobi, Kenya, on 6 to 17 November 2006. The statement explains that ASEM has resolved to meet the various targets connected with climate change, like reducing air pollution and improving the overall environment. The statement calls for multilateral cooperation to be pursued as widely as possible, based on the principle of differentiated common responsibility. Some USD 63,000 million will be invested in energy in ASEM countries by 2030 and ASEM is planning to step up investment in clean energy sources The statement highlights the need to combat deforestation and to ensure the sustainable management of forestry, oceans, coastal areas and marine ecosystems.