Climate gathering in Paris a message to terrorists: French Ambassador to India

New Delhi: As crucial climate talks kick off in Paris, the French Ambassador to India on Monday said that the coming together of heads of state and delegates in the French capital days after it was rocked by a terrorist strike sends out the message to such forces that the world will continue to work together for growth and development.

"The recent attacks have increased the participation of nations. A larger number of states are attending the meet, which shows the importance attached to climate change and sends out the message to terrorists that we will stand up and continue to work together," said Francois Richier, the French Ambassador.

He reiterated the French government's commitment to filling the gaps and bridging differences for reaching a universally-binding agreement for lowering carbon emissions.

"We will try to fill the gaps and bridge the differences so as to reach meaningful and ambitious resolutions with the consensus of all.

"The agreement will be universal, but will also be differentiated, which is a very important element. We support the principle and will stick to it," the ambassador said.

The conference will see the participation of more than 150 nations and is to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The 12-day climate change conference, which concludes on December 11, seeks to achieve a universally legally-binding agreement on lowering of carbon emissions.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) the UN body organising the conference has already received some 180 voluntary climate action plans from countries.

Formally called Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, these will form the basis of the agreement expected to be reached in Paris.

Deadly orchestrated attacks in Paris earlier this month, claimed by terror group IS, left 130 people dead and hundreds others injured.