BALI, Indonesia, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.N. Secretary-General BanKi-moon strongly welcomed the outcome of the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Bali, said a statement by the U.N. chief issued hereon Saturday on the adoption of the decision of the Thirteen Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC.

    The Secretary-General believed that the Bali Roadmap that has been agreed is a pivotal first step toward an agreement that can address the threat of climate change, the defining challenge of our time.

    At the outset of the Conference, the Secretary-General laid out three fundamental benchmarks for success: launching negotiations on a global climate change agreement; agreeing to an agenda for the negotiations; and agreeing to complete them by 2009. The Bali Roadmap that has been adopted achieves all three of these objectives.

    He is also greatly encouraged that agreements were reached that will help the international community to begin to address key challenges immediately, particularly with regard to enhanced action on adaptation measures, the dissemination of technology, and combating deforestation. While these will all be long term challenges, he is particularly pleased that work in each of these areas received a boost in Bali and that accelerated work can begin now.

    The Secretary-General thanked the Government of Indonesia for hosting the conference and for providing the leadership necessary for its successful conclusion.

    The Secretary-General appreciated the spirit of cooperation shown by all parties to achieve an outcome that stands to benefit all humanity.