State President Vo Van Thuong took part in a dialogue between leaders of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies and guests, hosted by US President Joe Biden in San Francisco on November 16 (local time).

Featuring Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Fijian President Sitiveni Rabuka, and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal as guests, the dialogue was the first activity involving APEC leaders during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2023 in the US.

Opening the dialogue, President Biden said that with a theme of sustainability, climate, and just energy transition, the dialogue was an occasion for leaders of APEC economies and guests to look into common challenges facing the region and the world, along with initiatives and solutions to promote cooperation to take joint action to reach sustainable development goals.

As the first speaker in the dialogue’s discussion section, President Thuong emphasized that climate change is an urgent global issue that requires the determination, political responsibility, and solidarity of all economies.  

He reiterated Vietnam’s view that climate change response is a priority in its national development policy, together with the country’s strong commitments to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, reducing methane emissions, and boosting forest protection and energy transition.

Vietnam is one of the first three developing countries to engage in the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with the International Partners Group, and it is taking comprehensive measures, from perfecting institutions to implementing them in reality, the President said.

He asked APEC member economies and partners to step up cooperation in renewable energy and the greening of industries, the development of ecological agriculture, resource recovery, and social security and just transition.

He called on developed countries and international partners to increase the sharing of scientific and technological achievements, make more financial contributions, and quickly put the Loss and Damage Fund into use, to help developing and underdeveloped countries cope with climate change.

Meanwhile, the global financial system needs to improve its capacity in supplying green finance and effectively mobilizing resources from the private sector, the President went on, stressing that now is the time for all economies to bring to life the historic commitments they have made to protect the earth and the future of subsequent generations.

His address was appreciated by other participating leaders, who welcomed Vietnam’s practical proposals and voiced support for the country’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and conduct energy transition.

APEC leaders and guests at the dialogue appealed for enhanced international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster sustainable energy transition, and work towards green growth.

They spoke of their economies’ efforts and solutions to resolve environmental and climate challenges. They also underlined the importance of resource mobilization initiatives and the promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in energy transition, and developing sustainable agriculture and green industries and conserving biodiversity.

Prior to the dialogue, President Thuong met with President Biden, Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, and Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio on continuing to intensify Vietnam’s relations with the partners and discuss issues of shared concern.

Later on the same day, he attended the opening session of a dialogue between APEC leaders and members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).