CANBERRA, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that a deal has been struck for Turkey to host the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in 2026, with Australia assuming the role of President of Negotiations in the lead-up to and at the meeting.

Albanese said in a joint statement with Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, and Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen that Australia will have "exclusive authority in relation to the negotiations" at COP31, to shape and guide global decision-making in support of the multilateral system and global trade and investment in clean energy industries.

The deal ends an impasse between rival bids to host COP31 from Turkey and Australia, which will, in partnership with the Pacific, set the agenda for and preside over a special pre-COP in the Pacific in 2026 prior to COP31 in Antalya under the agreement.

The officials said that the special event will give the world an opportunity to see Pacific climate impacts and solutions firsthand.

From the end of COP30 in Brazil until the end of COP31, Bowen will serve as the president of negotiations to "shape and guide" decision-making in support of the multilateral system and global investment in clean energy.

"This will give Australia and the Pacific unprecedented influence over multilateral deliberations and actions of the global community in 2026," the joint statement said.

A strengthened agenda for COP31 will also include a session focused on the climate finance needs of small island developing states.

They said that COP31 will bring the focus of the world to the impacts, opportunities and priorities in the Pacific. Enditem