The energy security and climate conference of the world's major economies, including India and China, will begin in Washington on Thursday to discuss the issues related to global warming.

The Indian delegation will be led by the Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee who will be making a statement on national priorities on greenhouse gases and energy security.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will deliver the welcome address followed by the statements of the US Representative James Connaughton of the Council on Environmental Quality.

Mukherjee, arrived in Washington from New York after his meeting with Rice.

The two leaders discussed bilateral and international issues during the meeting. He is expected to participate in the proceedings which will include a working lunch.

Recently, Connaughton had said that India has been very clear about its priorities on climate change and energy security and the forthcoming meeting next week in Washington of the major economies to discuss the two issues is more to see how the objectives of the various countries can be aligned.

The conference has five elements on the agenda: working on the process and principles for reaching agreement on a long-term global goal for reducing emissions; focus on achieving a common understanding of the current national strategies among all of the major economies for achieving their energy security and emission reduction goals; identifying the most important areas for advancing technology and new practices to reduce greenhouse gases; focusing on financing; and finally working together to coming up with a harmonised system of emissions accounting.