18 July 2023
Minister Nishimura
Director General Jørgensen
Fellow Ambassadors
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
I am honoured to represent the Australian Government, particularly the Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, as we sign this Joint Statement that commits our nations to support a wide range of LNG methane abatement activities.
Australia is committed to net-zero by 2050 and we will work with our international counterparts and the private sector to reduce emissions in a way that is both pragmatic and effective.
Australia sees natural gas and LNG as continuing to play an important role in ensuring a well-managed energy transition, especially in Asia.
They provide vital electricity grid firming support and help economies decarbonise through fuel switching from coal to gas.
We recognise that countries will take different pathways to reach their net-zero commitments, based on their circumstances, needs and opportunities.
Australia places immense importance on the energy security of our regional partners, including Japan and Korea, and we are committed to supporting you as a reliable energy partner, including through the stable supply of LNG.
At the same time, Australia is absolutely committed to broader decarbonisation efforts.
We will expand our collaboration on decarbonisation technologies and initiatives, and we are working to scale up our clean and renewable energy exports.
The activities being undertaken as part of this initiative will help decarbonise the LNG supply chain, supporting our countries in moving towards net-zero in a stable and predictable way.
I thank Japan, as well as the United States, the European Union and the Republic of Korea for your leadership on this issue.
Australia will remain a strong partner on the path to net zero.