[Title]　Opening Statement by Mr. Seiji Maehara Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan At the Aichi-Nagoya Ministerial Meeting of the REDD+ Partnership

In the afternoon session, we will discuss the direction of our future activities under the REDD+ Partnership, to overcome difficulties and enhance our efforts. If possible, I would like us at the ministerial level to endorse the framework of the Work Program of 2011 to 2012 which was prepared at the working level.

Before starting the discussion on way forward, I would like to point out three important aspects.

Firstly, we should think how to maximize the advantages of the Partnership. I would like to discuss which activities we must focus on in 2011 and 2012, to further scale up the REDD+ actions by enhancing international cooperation. I encourage you to offer concrete suggestions to maximize the advantages of the Partnership, including its promptness and voluntary nature. We also need to secure the continuity from past activities.

Secondly, we must be practical. We need to consider how to provide financial and technical support to make real difference in REDD+ activities in developing countries. I expect both developing and developed countries to propose ideas which would directly facilitate activities on the ground.

Thirdly, the Partnership must create momentum for negotiation. Progress under the REDD+ Partnership will greatly contribute to United Nations negotiations towards the establishment of a REDD+ mechanism. Furthermore, it will also boost momentum for negotiations on climate change as a whole. We have only one month left until COP16. With a view to achieving a balanced outcome in Cancun, I expect participants to provide forward-looking message on climate change negotiations.