Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held an online meeting with U.S. Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy on Wednesday, and confirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to ensure the success of a summit on climate change that is scheduled for April 22.
It was the first talk between Koizumi and McCarthy, who oversees climate change issues for the administration led by President Joe Biden. The two agreed that the countries should expand cooperation on issues and exchanged opinions on measures to tackle the problem.
"We shared our hopes to make this the summit that will prompt a worldwide movement toward decarbonization," Koizumi told reporters after the meeting.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga plans to attend the summit, which will be hosted by the U.S. government and is expected to be held online.
The Biden administration has made climate change issues one of its top priorities and established new positions such as a presidential envoy and advisor.
Koizumi spoke over the phone with John Kerry -- the former secretary of state who now serves as U.S. special climate envoy -- on Jan. 22, immediately after the Biden administration was inaugurated.
Decarbonization also is one of Suga's signature policies. Koizumi apparently hopes to increase his presence in promoting major policies by building a relationship with key figures in the White House.
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