Asian states to sign energy deals

Asian states are preparing to sign agreements on energy security and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The deal will be signed by 10 members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand.
There are also plans to construct a regional electricity grid and a natural gas pipeline across south-east Asia.
Talks in the Philippines will also focus on dealing with natural disasters, disease and terrorism.
The energy deal, agreed in draft form last week, will not cap greenhouse emissions, but will call for extra investment in eco-friendly fuels.
Correspondents say the Asian nations are attempting to lessen their dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Greenhouse gas emissions from Asian nations are forecast to grow rapidly in the coming years, with one estimate saying they could treble by 2025.
Improved ties
The pan-Asian deal comes at the end of a regional south-east Asian summit in Cebu, in the Philippines.
The summit has been marked by an improvement in relations between regional rivals China and Japan.
China announced that Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will travel to Japan in April.
Also at the summit Japan, China and South Korea held their first three-way meeting in two years.
Leaders of the three countries presented a united front to North Korea, urging Pyongyang to end its nuclear programme and seek a stronger trading relationship with its neighbours.