Downer plays down climate change rift with Malaysia
Posted 35 minutes ago

Alexander Downer says climate change discussions with Malaysia in the lead up to APEC have been extremely fruitful. (File photo) (Reuters: Cheryl Ravelo)
Map: Sydney 2000
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Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has played down reports of a rift between Australia and Malaysia over climate change talks at APEC.
The Federal Government has put global warming at the top of APEC's agenda.
But Malaysia's Trade Minister says Australia lacks the credentials to deal with the issue because it still refuses to sign the Kyoto Protocol and has accused Australia of "hijacking" the debate.
Mr Downer says Australia's climate change discussions with Malaysia in the lead up to APEC have been extremely fruitful.
"I think in the end Malaysia will agree with us that the issue of climate change is a very important issue and needs to be addressed," he said.
"It needs to be addressed by the world community and Australia is part of the world, and so is Malaysia, and so is China and the United States."