SANTIAGO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ibero-American ministers gathered here Thursday at a forum to discuss environment issues, especially global climate change.

    "The Ibero-American countries must and want be part of the solution, respecting the realities and responsibilities each country has related to the climate change issue," Chilean Environment Minister Ana Lya Uriarte said.

    Uriarte noted the climate change was a threat for all countries, but was a great opportunity to build a new culture to protect the environment.

    Representatives from Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay attended the 9th Forum of Ibero American Environment Ministers.

    The proposals from the forum will be presented to the 19th Summit of Ibero-American Heads of State and Government, scheduled for Nov.30- Dec.1 in Estoril, Portugal.