US-Russia Climate Envoys "Cooperation Beyond Political Differences" Joint Statement

Putin "Climate Change Issue Will Open Cooperation Opportunities Between US and Russia"
Criticizes EU's Carbon Border Tax Introduction as "Unilateral Proposal"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The climate change special envoys of the United States and Russia held a face-to-face meeting and agreed to actively cooperate on climate change issues despite political and diplomatic tensions. In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that climate change issues would open opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

According to Russian media on the 15th (local time), John Kerry, the U.S. climate envoy visiting Moscow, Russia, held his first meeting with Ruslan Edelgeriyev, President Putin’s climate envoy, and issued a joint statement reflecting this agreement.

Kerry and Edelgeriyev, who did not participate in the U.S.-Russia summit held last month in Geneva, Switzerland, met face-to-face for the first time during this meeting.

After the meeting, both sides stated in a joint communiqu? that they would set aside political differences and cooperate on Arctic issues and other climate change matters.

They announced, "We have agreed to join forces with other countries to ensure the successful hosting of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) to be held this fall in Glasgow, United Kingdom."

They also agreed to cooperate on climate issues in the Arctic and to coordinate bilaterally on various issues such as greenhouse gas satellite monitoring, methane emissions, forestry, and agriculture.

Additionally, both sides agreed to discuss national contributions and long-term strategies for implementing the Paris Agreement, energy efficiency, and the execution of joint climate projects.

In a separate statement, the Russian side said, "The two countries discussed mutual interests in detail and confirmed their willingness to implement specific climate projects," while also proposing to set aside disagreements on other bilateral issues.

During his four-day visit to Russia starting on the 12th, Kerry discussed climate change issues with Russian officials including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Envoy Edelgeriyev, and also exchanged views with President Putin via a phone call.

President Putin told Kerry, "Amid efforts to improve bilateral relations following last month’s summit, the two Cold War rivals will have an opportunity to cooperate on climate change issues."

He added, "Climate change is one of the areas where Russia and the United States share common interests and similar approaches."

Kerry noted that the U.S. is the world’s largest carbon emitter and Russia ranks fourth, and said that the U.S. would propose cooperation measures ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

Foreign media focused on whether this meeting could mark a new turning point in improving relations through joint responses to climate change.

Meanwhile, Russia expressed concerns about the European Union (EU) Commission’s proposal to introduce a carbon border tax announced the previous day. Envoy Edelgeriyev criticized the proposal, saying, "This unilateral proposal by the EU Commission will limit Russia’s ability to transition to a low-carbon economy."

The day before, the EU Commission proposed a policy package aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, which includes gradually introducing a carbon border tax starting in 2026 and effectively banning the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles within the EU from 2035.