China and Norway Monday agreed to set a cooperation framework on environmental protection to better scheme long-term collaboration between the two countries.

The agreement was reached by Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg during their talks.

Stoltenberg said the environmental problems in today's world were largely caused by the industrialization of developed countries which have obligation to fund developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emission.

Norway would like to help China achieve this goal by increasing investment and technique transfer, he said.

Wen said China supports the Kyoto Protocol, though it does not set gas emission reduction targets for developing countries.

"China has always observed its obligation with a responsible attitude," Wen said, pledging the country is ready to work with the international community to cope with climate change and green house gas emission, improve energy efficiency and tap clean energy.

Stoltenberg also attended a seminar on energy management and efficiency, climate changes and its related technologies Monday morning.

Stoltenberg arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Wen.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2007)