UN chief Ban Ki-moon welcomes Indo-US commitment to join Paris agreement

UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon today welcomed steps taken by India and the US to join the Paris Climate agreement, saying he is encouraged by the resolve of the two countries to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the domestic steps being undertaken by both countries to join the Paris Agreement as soon as possible, including in 2016, and their collaborative efforts to address climate change," a statement issued by Ban's spokesman here said.

Ban commended the India-US joint statement on climate change announcing their support for early entry into force of the Paris Agreement.

The UN Chief said he is "further encouraged by the resolve of India and the United States to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies and successful outcomes this year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Montreal Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly, and the G20."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a three-day US visit.

Climate change was one of the major topics of discussion between him and President Barack Obama.

During the meeting at the White House, Obama and Modi reiterated their commitment to pursue low greenhouse gas emission development strategies in the pre-2020 period and to develop long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies.

The joint announcement by India and the United States demonstrates the growing momentum towards the rapid entry into force and successful implementation of the Paris Agreement.

As of today, 177 Parties have signed, and 17 have ratified the climate agreement.

The Secretary-General called on all countries to accelerate their domestic processes to join or ratify the agreement to ensure its early entry into force.