US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry on Feb.24 had meetings with Minister of Public Security General To Lam, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, and National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

Minister of Public Security General To Lam (R) and US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. Photo: VNA

The US will increase exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam regarding climate change response in a bid to realize major goals set by the two countries’ leaders at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), said Kerry at a meeting with Minister of Public Security General To Lam in Hanoi, reported VNA.

The US official noted the US-Vietnam relationship is on a good track of development across sectors and emphasized that climate change response plays an important role in ensuring environmental and national security.

Vietnam appreciated the determination and role of Joe Biden’s administration and of Kerry himself and hoped that the US would continue to take the lead in combating climate change and promoting related international cooperation activities, affirmed Lam.

For the implementation of important global goals in the field, the minister asked the US side to clarify commitments that can support Vietnam and promote the Vietnam-US cooperation in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation serving the development of a green, circular, sustainable, and low-carbon economy.

Lam suggested the US assist Vietnam with projects and equipment to improve the nation’s capacity of detecting and handling environmental crimes.

The Ministry of Public Security also looks for the US’s support in building a vocational training center for the environmental police forces of Vietnam and ASEAN countries, he added.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry meets with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha. Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

On the same day, Kerry also met with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, who informed him of Vietnam’s efforts against climate change.

According to the minister, Vietnam has reviewed and completed the national electricity development planning for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2045 in line with the 2050 goal of net zero emissions; developed plans to implement the global declaration on the transition of coal-fired power to clean energy and to reduce methane by 30%; and actively facilitated and cleared hurdles for investors in Vietnam’s climate change and renewable energy projects.

Ha hoped Vietnam and the US continue to strengthen collaboration in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change, especially by implementing commitments to methane emission reduction.

He recommended the US aid Vietnam in connecting with financial and credit institutions capable of providing financial, professional and technological support for Vietnam to improve capacity in fulfilling its commitments to emission reduction and climate change adaptation.

For his part, Kerry stated climate has become a national interest and security priority of the US.

With countries around the world making joint efforts to address the challenges of climate change, especially after COP26, the US wishes to cooperate with Vietnam in the fields of renewable energy and green economy, he stressed.

In the meeting with NA Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Kerry said that the NA of Vietnam plays an important role in creating frameworks to promote the strong development of renewable energy resources such as offshore wind and solar power in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese official agreed, saying Vietnam is among the worst hit by climate change and has determined that responding to climate change is a key task.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry (left) said the US wishes to cooperate with Vietnam in the fields of renewable energy and green economy. Photo: VNA

Vietnam has taken an active part in the joint efforts of the international community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change in the direction of a green, circular and low-carbon economy, he affirmed.

The legislature has institutionalized the provisions of the law in response to climate change, codified in the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, Man said, adding that a legal framework to implement its commitments at COP26 is being completed.

In the coming time, the Vietnamese NA will continue to accompany the Government in building and finalising a legal basis to speed up the development of renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power; and adjust the objectives of the Green Growth Strategy.

He said he hopes that the US will increase assistance for Vietnam in finance, technology, infrastructure, human resources training and experience in energy shift so that the country can fully implement its commitments at COP26.

Man also suggested that the US Congress continue to increase the budget for settling war consequences, including the detoxification of dioxin/Agent Orange hotspots, mines clearance and support to people with disabilities.

Speaking highly of Kerry’s efforts and contributions during the normalisation and enhancement of the Vietnam-US ties over the past time, the official suggested that the US guest help push up the US Government in realising its commitment to support ASEAN's central role and strengthen the co-operation between the Vietnamese NA and the US Congress.

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